The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged embezzlement of KSh4.8 million meant for the purchase and installation of electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Igembe North Constituency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency said the funds were allocated during the 2014/2015 Financial Year for the procurement and installation of six electricity transformers across various locations in the constituency.
Those arrested are James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai, and Pauline Waruguru Mwangi. They are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to face charges.
According to the EACC, investigations were launched following allegations that senior officials of the Igembe North NG-CDF Committee fraudulently misappropriated the funds, which had been allocated at KSh800,000 per transformer for projects in Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobotuci, Luciuti MCK, Mare Centre, and Muurune.
The commission said investigations established that the money was transferred into six project bank accounts and later withdrawn by the account signatories, identified as James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai, Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, and Joshua M’Maroo.
However, EACC said further investigations revealed that although the committee claimed the projects had been awarded to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), both institutions confirmed they neither received any payments nor communication regarding the procurement.
The commission also established that no transformers were procured or installed at any of the identified project sites.
Upon completing investigations, EACC forwarded the inquiry file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved the prosecution of the suspects on multiple charges.
The suspects are expected to face charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, and misappropriation of constituency development funds.
Meanwhile, EACC has directed the fourth suspect, Joshua M’Maroo, to present himself at the Commission’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or the nearest EACC office for processing and arraignment.
The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable.
