Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have arrested five Nyeri Public Service Board members over illegal recruitment of ward administrators.

Communication from the anti-corruption watchdog via their twitter page says: “Investigations established that there were irregularities in the process that culminated in the appointment of the Sub–County Administrators and Ward Administrators in the County of Nyeri in the period between July (2013) and March (2014).”

The five were arrested on Tuesday and taken to the EACC Nyeri office to be processed for court tomorrow. 

They are accused of abandoning their responsibilities, neglect of duty and a severe lack of due diligence in the discharge of their duties.

@EACCKenya investigations found the CPB Secretary and 4 board members responsible and thus culpable for those irregularities. The investigations also disclosed deception on the part of some of the applicants who were ultimately appointed as Ward Administrators.

— EACC (@EACCKenya) September 25, 2018

Those arrested include Ms. Alice Waruguru Muita (board Chairperson), Anthony Ndonga Muriu (board CEO/ Secretary), Beatrice Wanjiru Gikaru (board member), Geoffrey Wachira Mahinda (board member) and Shelomith Wanjiru Nderitu (board member).

EACC said it had orders from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji to arrest the five after submitting an inquiry file into the case.

DPP then ordered that the commission arrests them on grounds of abuse of office, contrary to Section 46 of the Anti–Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.