The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested the Clerk of the Nyamira County Assembly in connection with the alleged misappropriation of public funds earmarked for the construction of an office block project valued at more than Sh30 million.
The arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and procurement irregularities surrounding the controversial project which has been under scrutiny for several months.
According to investigators the office block contract is believed to have been marred by financial impropriety resulting in substantial losses to taxpayers.
EACC officials stated that preliminary findings indicate possible abuse of office, fraudulent procurement practices and unlawful payments linked to the construction project.
The anti-graft agency alleges that public funds were disbursed in circumstances that violated procurement regulations and financial management procedures.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that detectives have been examining a series of transactions related to the project including contract awards, payment approvals and project implementation records.
The inquiry seeks to establish whether county officials colluded with contractors to inflate costs or authorize payments for work that was either incomplete or not undertaken as specified.
The arrest of the assembly clerk comes as the commission intensifies efforts to crack down on corruption within county governments.
Over recent years county administrations have increasingly found themselves at the center of investigations involving questionable tenders, stalled development projects and misuse of public resources.
Residents and civil society groups in Nyamira have welcomed the move arguing that accountability is necessary to ensure public funds are used for their intended purposes.
Many have called for thorough investigations and prosecution of all individuals found culpable regardless of their positions.
EACC has emphasized that the arrest is part of the effort to safeguard public resources and strengthen integrity in public institutions.
The commission noted that investigations are still ongoing and that additional suspects could be questioned as detectives continue gathering evidence.
The suspect is expected to be processed in accordance with legal procedures before a decision is made on possible charges.
Prosecutors will review the evidence collected by investigators before determining the next course of action.
The case is likely to reignite debate about transparency and accountability in county governments with anti-corruption campaigners urging stricter oversight of public projects to prevent losses that undermine development and service delivery to Citizens.
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