Six senior Busia county officials arrested over Sh1.4 billion fraud

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested six senior Busia county officials over an alleged Sh1.4 billion fraud.

Among those nabbed are three County Executive Committee Members, a chief officer, and two directors.

The coordinated operation saw EACC detectives raid both their residences and offices.

According to a statement from the Commission, the operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, unexplained wealth, and theft of public funds linked to tenders worth over Sh1.4 billion.

The tenders are believed to have been fraudulently awarded to 26 proxy companies.

EACC Head of Communication Stephen Karuga, speaking via phone, confirmed the arrest of the six suspects.

“Yes, six suspects have been arrested and are currently being held at our Western Regional Offices in Bungoma. They are assisting with investigations and recording statements,” Karuga said.

Karuga said the searches were conducted under valid court warrants and that investigators recovered documents and digital evidence expected to support the case.

“This is just one among 71 active investigations involving Busia County  Government officials reported within the last year alone,” he said.

EACC suspects that the six officials may have acquired wealth not proportionate to their known sources of income, and has signaled plans for possible asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings.

Upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission says it will recommend appropriate action, including prosecution and recovery of any identified proceeds of corruption.