Three people have been arrested over the alleged theft of Sh4.8 million that had been set aside to purchase and install six electricity transformers in Igembe North Constituency, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) saying the projects were never carried out despite all the money being withdrawn.
The anti-graft agency identified the suspects as Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio and James Ntonjira Ntongai. They are expected to appear before the Meru Law Courts to answer to corruption-related charges after investigations linked them to the alleged loss of public funds under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
EACC said the investigations began after reports that officials serving under the Igembe North NG-CDF had allegedly misused money allocated for electricity projects during the 2014/2015 financial year.
According to the commission, the Igembe North NG-CDF Committee received Sh4.8 million to purchase and install six electricity transformers at Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocul, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune. Each of the six projects had been allocated Sh800,000.
Investigators established that the money was transferred into six separate project bank accounts before it was withdrawn on the same day by the account signatories.
“The Commission established that the funds were transferred into six project bank accounts and withdrawn on the same day by the account signatories, namely James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai, and Joshua M'maroo, with the authority of the then NG-CDF Fund Manager, Pauline Waruguru Mwangi,” EACC said.
The commission said the committee claimed that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) had been engaged to implement the projects. However, investigations found that both institutions denied receiving any payment or communication concerning the procurement.
“No transformers were procured or installed at any of the identified project sites,” the commission said.
After completing the investigations, EACC forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the prosecution of four suspects. Besides the three already arrested, the fourth suspect, Joshua M'maroo, has not yet presented himself to the authorities.
The suspects are expected to face charges that include conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of constituency development funds.
EACC has directed Joshua M'maroo to report to its Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any other nearby EACC office for processing before being arraigned in court.
The commission said it will continue pursuing those suspected of stealing public resources and ensure they are held accountable.
“The Commission remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable,” EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi A. Mohamud said.