The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two people suspected of embezzling Ksh 296 million from the West Pokot county government.
These funds, intended for scholarships and educational infrastructure, are alleged to have been misappropriated in several financial years, from 2017/2018 to 2021/2022.
Those arrested include Mary Ngoriakes, the former chief officer of education, and Mathew Arusio, the former county director of Bursary.
The suspects are currently being processed at the EACC North Rift regional offices in Eldoret. They will be arrested at the Eldoret Central Police Station before their appearance at the Eldoret Anti-Corruption Court scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The investigation uncovered a scheme by top county officials to embezzle Ksh 296 million meant to support disadvantaged students.
The theft was facilitated by irregular cash withdrawals and falsified documents, including fake meeting minutes.
Officials illegally assumed roles in the County Bursary, Education Development and Infrastructure Committee (CBC), a committee that was never legally established.
EACC submitted the results of its investigations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved several charges. These fees include:
Conspiracy to commit corruption
Abuse of office
Fraudulent appropriation of public property
Creating false documents
Two other suspects linked to the scheme, Simon Kodomuk, the former director of education, and Francil Tikol, the county’s former deputy director of scholarships, remain at large.
EACC urged these individuals to report to their North Rift regional offices in Eldoret on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. EACC continues to appeal for public support in its efforts to fight corruption and recover stolen public funds.
The Commission remains committed to guaranteeing accountability and transparency in public institutions.
