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Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested eight senior Bomet County Government officials over embezzlement of Ksh1.5 billion.
In a statement on Thursday, October 24 EACC said the 8 suspects include; County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and other senior officials of the County Government of Bomet.
“Following increasing media inquiries, the Ethics and Anti-Commission Commission (EACC) confirms that today, Thursday, 24th October 2024, the Commission has conducted a successful investigative operation in the residences and offices of Eight (8) suspects including County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and other senior officials of the County Government of Bomet,” read the statement in part.
The suspects are being accused of conflict of interest and embezzlement of public funds to the tune of Kes1.2 billion through fraudulent payments made to companies owned by the officials, their family members, and proxies.
They are also facing allegations of abuse of office, conflict of interest, unexplained wealth, and theft of Kes373 million in the procurement of 12 heavy road construction machines and trucks during the financial 2022/2023, which cannot be accounted for.
“The suspects have allegedly abused their positions of trust and authority to embezzle public funds through collusion, procurement fraud, and payments for non-existent or substandard services,” EACC stated.
Following their arrest, the 8 suspects were taken to the EACC headquarters to record statements but were later released to pave the way for further investigations.
According to EACC, the arrest of the 8 suspects yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigations.
“Upon completion of the inquiry, the outcome will inform appropriate action including prosecution of any culpable persons and/or recovery of unexplained wealth or proceeds of corruption,” the commission added.
Also Read: 11 County Officials Arrested By EACC Over Ksh 17 Million Scam
