The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three suspects over the alleged embezzlement of KSh4.8 million earmarked for the purchase and installation of electricity transformers under the Igembe North National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said the money was allocated for the procurement and installation of six transformers during the 2014/2015 financial year. Those arrested are Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio and James Ntonjira Ntongai, who are set to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to take plea.
According to EACC, investigations were launched after allegations emerged that senior officials attached to the Igembe North NG-CDF had misappropriated public funds meant for rural electrification projects.
“Investigations established that the NG-CDF Committee for Igembe North received KSh4.8 million for the purchase and installation of six transformers at Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre, and Muurune, with each transformer allocated KSh800,000,” the Commission said.
The anti-graft agency said the funds were transferred into six project bank accounts before being withdrawn on the same day by account signatories James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai and Joshua M’maroo, with the authority of the then NG-CDF Fund Manager, Pauline Waruguru Mwangi. Investigators further established that although the NG-CDF Committee claimed to have engaged the then Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to implement the project, neither institution had any record of the procurement.
“Both institutions confirmed that they neither received any payment nor any communication regarding the procurement. No transformers were procured or installed at any of the identified project sites,” EACC stated.
The four are set to face charges of conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.
While three suspects have already been arrested, EACC directed the remaining suspect, Joshua M’maroo, to surrender at its Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any nearby EACC office for processing and arraignment.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing corruption cases to their conclusion.
