EACC arrests nine senior officials, issue summons to Finance minister

At least nine senior Trans Nzoia County officials including the County Secretary Fredrick Sifuna have been arrested over allegations of corruption.

There was drama as Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives pounced on the officials. Most of them were caught unawares in their offices and a local hotel where they were taking lunch.

Also targeted was finance executive Ken Simiyu and two other officials. However, the detectives issued summons for them to present themselves after they were unable to locate him. Those arrested will be arraigned this week, North Rift EACC Deputy Director Enoch Otiko said yesterday.

“We arrested the officials after investigations into graft dealings in the county. We will continue to ensure that public resources are safeguarded,” said Otiko. This came months after Governor Patrick Khaemba promised to invite the detectives to probe rampant corruption within his administration.

A source told The Standard the governor had lived up to his word and invited EACC officials to investigate his officers accused of corruption.

“Expect more arrests because the governor is not ready to shoulder the mess by his officers,” said the source.

Khaemba who spoke after the arrests said all officials must follow the law which forbids them from engaging in corruption, adding he will support to the anti-graft agency’s bid to end the vice.

A section of locals welcomed the arrests and urged EACC to intensify investigations into what they termed rampant corruption at the county.

“This should not stop until everyone involved in corruption, even the big fish, is held to account,” a resident who did not wish to be named said.