These days the headlines are full of news of officials from government agencies arrested over corruption scandals. From the Kenya Pipeline Company scandal to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and now the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
However what good is it if they will be arrested charged in court and later freed on bond?
This evening five officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and two other individuals were arrested by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Kisumu and Eldoret over alleged fraudulent acquisition of public funds in the maize scandal.
They include; Willy Kipkoech Kosgei (Silo Manager, Kisumu), Renson Kibet Korir (Silo Manager, Eldoret), Thomas Kipkurgat Sang (Extension Officer, Soi Ward), Jeremiah Omutsani Omwayi (Deputy Silo Manager, Kisumu) and Laban Momanyi Michira (Cashier, NCPB Kisumu).
Also arrested was Sinonim Assistant Chief David Barngetuny Korir and a trader identified as Rodney Kimutai. The investigators are still pursuing four other suspects who have been directed to report to the nearest EACC offices.
They include; Willy Kipkoech Sang (Agricultural Officer, Kisumu), Victoria Jebet Rotich (Trader), Caroline Chepchumba (Trader) and Stephen Kiprop Maiyo (Trader).
Press Statement on Investigations into Allegations of Fraudulent Acquisition of Public Funds at NCPB @BreakingNewsKE @TheStarBreaking @NationBreaking @StandardKenya @PeopleDailyKe @NTVnewsroom @KTNNewsDesk @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @KBCChannel1 pic.twitter.com/ks79QQScxL
— EACC (@EACCKenya) December 10, 2018
For the Kisumu case, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji said the probe established that NCPB officials, agricultural officers, and chiefs colluded with traders to facilitate delivery of maize to the depot.
“The supplies led to fraudulent payments to traders, much to the detriment of genuine farmers,” Haji said.
“As a result, two traders revealed to have supplied a total of 149,207 50kg bags of maize worth Sh262,527,390. A Caroline Chepchumba was paid Sh102,660,426 while a Stephen Maiyo was paid Sh7,740,975,” he said.
NCPB has been on the spot over alleged irregular purchase of maize that led to unscrupulous traders raking in millions of shillings at the expense of deserving farmers. So far, Agriculture PS Richard Lesiyampe and NCPB finance manager Cornel Kiprotich Ng’elechey are out on Sh3 million cash bail.
The suspects will be charged with conspiracy to commit an economic crime, wilful failure to comply with law relating to management of public property, abuse of office, neglect of official duty, fraudulent acquisition of public funds, and dealing with suspect property.
The seven are set to be arraigned at the Kisumu Law Courts on tomorrow.