The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended a Kitui County chief officer and five directors of contracting companies over alleged conflict of interest and procurement irregularities involving contracts worth Ksh17.48 million.
According to a statement by the EACC, the arrests took place on Thursday, August 6, with the EACC saying it is in pursuit of three other suspects who have reportedly gone into hiding.
The commission has directed the remaining suspects to surrender at its office in Machakos or the nearest commission office as the case proceeds.
“EACC hereby directs the following individuals who are believed to have gone into hiding to report immediately to the Commissionβs Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos or the nearest EACC office for processing,β the statement read.
The six suspects in custody were to be arraigned before the Kitui Law Courts on Thursday afternoon.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved charges against nine suspects following the investigations into the awarding and payment of county tenders over several financial years.
The proposed charges include conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering and engaging in corrupt procurement practices.
“Upon conclusion of the investigations, the inquiry file was forwarded to the DPP, who approved the prosecution of nine suspects on various charges, including conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and engaging in corrupt procurement practices,β the statement added
