In recent days, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has found itself at the center of a media storm regarding its handling of allegations against four high-ranking officials from Taita Taveta County. These officials have been accused of misappropriating Ksh. 7 million in public funds while supposedly organizing a commemoration for the First World War. As the situation unfolded, the EACC stepped forward to clarify its position and address the inaccuracies presented by various news outlets.
The individuals implicated in this scandal include Thomas Jumwa, the Economic Advisor to Governor Andrew Mwadime; Liverson Mghendi, the former County Secretary; Leonard Langat, the ex-Chief Officer of Finance; and Christine Wakera, who previously served as chief officer for Trade, Tourism, and Co-operatives Development. EACC detectives apprehended these individuals on a Tuesday, leading to their court appearance at the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court the following Wednesday.
Some media reports alleged that EACC inflated the figures surrounding the accusations, asserting that the officials had embezzled over Ksh. 7 million, even though the charge sheet filed in court indicated a stolen amount closer to Ksh. 4 million. Responding to these claims on Thursday, the EACC expressed discontent with the narrative, labeling it a distortion of the court’s proceedings.
EACC explained, “Chief Magistrate Hon. Alex Ithuku noted that the previously reported figure of Ksh. 7 million would be incorrect if one were to strictly consider the charge sheet, which cites Ksh. 4 million. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this figure pertains only to the individuals charged on that day and does not capture the entirety of the alleged fraudulent activities.” They further stressed that the Ksh. 7 million represents the total amount supposedly allocated for the World War I commemoration, while Ksh. 4 million corresponds to the amount believed to have been misappropriated by the accused.
Additionally, EACC pointed out that the specific amount alleged to have been misappropriated was not the primary focus of the court’s deliberations.
Court proceedings revealed that the four officials “jointly conspired to commit an act of corruption by initiating a project without sufficient planning. They unlawfully engaged in direct procurement and payments for services linked to the World War I commemoration event held from November 24 to 27, 2022, an event that was not budgeted for in the 2022/2023 financial plan.”
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) further elaborated that the officials were charged with proceeding with an unplanned project, violating Section 45(2)(c) read alongside Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of Kenya.
Among the accused, Nyambu has been charged with unlawful acquisition of public property, forgery, and deliberately failing to follow established procedures and guidelines for expenditure. ODPP claims that Nyambu unlawfully obtained Ksh. 1,018,000 in purported payments for services rendered during the event.
As the court proceedings progress, all four officials have pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against them and were released under a bond of Ksh. 1 million or a cash bail of Ksh. 200,000 each. This case continues to unfold, and its implications for accountability and transparency within local government remain significant. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
