The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three suspects over the alleged embezzlement of KSh4.8 million meant for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Igembe North Constituency during the 2014/2015 financial year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the Commission said the funds had been allocated for transformer projects in Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune, with each transformer budgeted at KSh800,000.
According to the EACC, investigations established that although the money was transferred into six project bank accounts, it was withdrawn on the same day by the account signatories, James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai and Joshua M’maroo, with the authority of the then NG-CDF Fund Manager, Pauline Waruguru Mwangi.
The Commission further revealed that the committee had claimed to have engaged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to undertake the project.
However, investigations found that “both institutions confirmed that they neither received any payment nor any communication regarding the procurement. No transformers were procured or installed at any of the identified project sites.”
Following the completion of investigations, the inquiry file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the prosecution of Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai and Joshua M’maroo on charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.
The EACC confirmed that Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio and James Ntonjira Ntongai have been arrested and are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to take plea.
The Commission also directed the remaining suspect, Joshua M’maroo, to surrender at its Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any nearby EACC office for processing and arraignment.
“The Commission remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable,” the statement said.
