Editor's Review

Officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested two former senior officials for theft of public funds.

Officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested two former senior officials in West Pokot County in connection with the embezzlement of Sh296 million in bursary funds.  

In a statement on Monday, September 23, EACC disclosed that the suspects, Ms. Mary Ngoriakes, the former Chief Officer of Education, and Mr. Mathew Arusio, the former County Director of Bursary, are part of four suspects who embezzled the amount in the period between financial years 207/18 and 2021/22.

According to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, the embezzled funds had been set aside to help needy students in West Pokot County.

"The commission commenced investigations upon receipt of a complaint that senior officials in West Pokot County government hatched and executed a fraudulent scheme leading to embezzlement of Sh212 million from the County Bursary, Education and Infrastructure Fund.

"However, the commission's investigations established that the embezzled amount was Sh296 million which had been set aside for provision of bursary to support needy students in the county," Ngumbi stated.

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The EACC spokesperson noted that the suspects were involved in irregular cash withdrawals and prepared fake minutes for meetings that never took place.

File image of EACC CEO Mbarak Twalib.

Ngumbi stated that after the EACC concluded its investigations, the report was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with recommendations to charge the suspects with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, among other charges. 

The arrested suspects are set to be arraigned on Tuesday, September 24, as the EACC urged the two remaining fugitives to surrender.

The fugitives are Mr. Simon Kodomuk, former Chief Officer of Education, and Mr. Francil Tikol, former Assistant County Director of Bursary.

"The Commission hereby directs the two suspects who are believed to have gone into hiding to immediately report to EACC North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret located at Imperial Court Building – Wing A, Uganda Road on Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 at 8:00 am, without fail,” EACC stated.