Four senior officials from Taita Taveta County, arrested on Tuesday for allegedly stealing Ksh. 7 million in public funds under the guise of commemorating the First World War, are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
The officials include Thomas Jumwa, the Economic Advisor to Governor Andrew Mwadime; former County Secretary Liverson Mghendi; former Finance Chief Officer Leonard Langat; and Christine Wakera, the former Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism, and Co-operatives Development.
They were apprehended by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and detained at Mombasa Central Police Station.
According to the EACC, the supposed World War I event was not included in the annual procurement plan or budgeted for in the 2022/23 financial year. “In addition, the procurement of suppliers was marred with irregularities; suppliers were paid despite not supplying anything to the county government, and the documents used to support the payments were forged,” the anti-graft agency stated.
The four officials are set to be charged with abuse of office, forgery, engaging in a project without prior planning, conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, and uttering false documents in violation of the law. Additionally, the commission plans to file civil proceedings to recover the stolen funds.
