The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended two former senior officials from the West Pokot County Government for allegedly embezzling Ksh 296 million in bursary funds.
These arrests follow an investigation into corruption claims related to the misappropriation of public money intended to support low-income students in the region.
EACC sources indicate that the embezzlement occurred between the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 fiscal years.
The individuals arrested are Ms. Mary Ngoriakes, the former Chief Officer of Education, and Mr. Mathew Arusio, the former County Director of Bursary.
They were taken into custody early Monday and are currently at the EACC’s North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret.
Once processed, they will be held at Eldoret Central Police Station until they appear before the Eldoret Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
The investigation began after the EACC received a complaint regarding a scheme by senior officials in the West Pokot County Government to defraud the County Bursary, Education, and Infrastructure Fund.
Initially, the embezzlement was estimated at Sh 212 million, but further inquiries revealed the actual amount stolen was KES 296 million, intended for bursaries for low-income students.
Investigators found that the County Bursary, Education Development, and Infrastructure Committee (CBC), which was supposed to manage the distribution of these funds, had not been properly established.
Nevertheless, some officials masqueraded as CBC members, conducting fraudulent activities such as irregular cash withdrawals and fabricating meeting minutes for gatherings that never occurred.
After completing the investigation, the EACC submitted a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who agreed to pursue charges against four suspects.
The charges include conspiracy to commit corruption, willful failure to adhere to public fund management procedures, abuse of office, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and falsified accounting.
The suspects are also accused of entering into unlawful contracts under the Public Procurement and Disposal Act of 2015, as well as producing and using false documents as outlined in the Penal Code.
While two suspects are now in custody, the EACC has instructed the remaining two Mr. Simon Kodomuk, former Chief Officer of Education, and Mr. Francil Tikol, former Assistant County Director of Bursary to report to the EACC North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret by 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The two are believed to be evading arrest, and failure to comply will lead to further legal action.
The EACC has reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption, particularly in cases where public funds intended for vulnerable groups, such as students, are misappropriated.
This case is part of a broader initiative to combat corruption in county governments, as the commission works to recover misused funds and ensure accountability among public officials.
