Six Rift Valley counties in Sh2bn EACC fraud probe

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating graft involving more than Sh2 billion in six counties in Rift Valley.

Investigations target officials in Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Kericho, West Pokot and Samburu over various questionable contracts through which public funds may have been lost.

“Many officials from Nakuru, Bomet and Baringo counties have been grilled over various contracts in which the public may have lost funds," revealed EACC South Rift regional manager Ignatius Wekesa.

“Once investigations are over, appropriate action will be taken.”

In Bomet, the EACC is investigating 18 officers on Governor Hillary Barchok’s administration implicated in Sh1.573 billion fraud.

The officials are under investigation over the alleged fraudulent activities that took place in the 2022-23 financial year.

Read: Auditor-General calls for EACC probe into Busia County finances

County executive committee (CEC) members, chief officers and other top officers were a few weeks ago arrested, questioned and recorded statements at the EACC. Three CEC members and two chief officers are among officials under investigation, said the EACC.

The officers are alleged to have siphoned public funds paid to firms owned by themselves, family members and proxies, that they abused their position to influence award of tenders and payments for substandard work or non-existent services.

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