The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested 11 officials in Vihiga County Government as it begins a probe into suspected theft of Ksh. 17 million meant for the construction of a Blood Transfusion centre.
In a statement to newsrooms on Thursday, the commission said the arrested persons include the Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Arnold Kimiyia Mamadi and Director of Procurement Godfrey Oyaro.
They are among 11 suspects set to be arraigned before Kakamega Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday.
The 12th suspect, Eugene Wandera Wamalwa, Principal Quantity Surveyor, is said to be on the run as the commission orders him to report to the EACC Regional Office in Kisumu.
Confirming the arrest, EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said that the suspects embezzled public funds amounting to Kes.17 million through payments for non-existent works in purported construction of a Blood Transfusion Centre in Vihiga to help patients requiring blood transfusion.
The suspects, who spent the night at Kisumu Port Police Station, will be presented to Kakamega Law Courts to take plea.