Two Nyamira County Assembly officials have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over an investigation into a Sh367 million office block project. The commission says the tender process was marred by alleged irregularities that led to the loss of Sh30.18 million in public funds.
The officials are David Nyirango Ombego, the Deputy Clerk and Director in charge of Legislative, Legal Procedure and Committee Services, and Joyce Onyiego, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation. Their roles within the County Assembly put them at the center of the tendering process, which is now under scrutiny for potential corruption and mismanagement.
EACC investigators arrested the two in Kisii County during an operation targeting officials linked to the tender. This operation is part of a broader effort by the EACC to combat corruption within public offices and ensure accountability in the management of public resources. The commission has been actively pursuing cases where public funds have been misappropriated, and this case appears to be a significant example of their ongoing efforts.
They are expected to be charged with abuse of office, failure to comply with laws governing the use of public funds, and negligence of official duty. These charges highlight the serious nature of the allegations against them, as they are entrusted with the responsibility of managing public resources and ensuring that they are used appropriately.
The commission says the two were taken to its South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii, where they are being processed ahead of their court appearance. This step is crucial as it marks the beginning of legal proceedings that could have significant implications for the officials involved and the integrity of the Nyamira County Assembly.
The arrests follow investigations into how the tender for construction of the County Assembly office block was handled and the alleged loss of public funds in the process. The EACC's findings suggest that there may have been significant lapses in oversight and compliance with established procurement regulations, which are designed to protect public funds from misuse. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further developments will arise and whether additional officials may also face scrutiny in connection with this case.
