The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested four senior officials from Taita Taveta County over the alleged embezzlement of more than Sh7 million, reportedly under the pretence of organising World War I commemoration events.
Among those arrested are the Economic Advisor to the Governor, a former County Secretary, and two Chief Officers.
The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, follow investigations by the EACC. The officials are currently being escorted to the EACC Lower Coast Regional Offices in Mombasa for further action.
The arrests come in the wake of serious concerns regarding the misuse of public funds by the county leadership.
In its fourth quarterly report, the EACC exposed a taxpayer-funded trip to Zanzibar by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), which was termed as a “bonding and merry-making” event.
The report highlighted that the expenses for this trip, which exceeded Sh7 million, were reportedly exaggerated. Some MCAs were overpaid, while others received allowances despite not travelling.
Senior county officials were also accused of embezzling over Sh4 million in November 2022 during celebrations purportedly meant to mark World War I.
The Commission called for immediate action to hold the officials accountable and recover the funds.
“Besides the prosecution of suspects, EACC will pursue recovery of the lost funds,” the Commission said.
In 2023, Governor Andrew Mwadime of Taita Taveta County placed four senior officials on compulsory leave due to financial irregularities. Despite this, County Assembly Speaker Wisdom Mwamburi stated that the Assembly would continue its investigations into the alleged mismanagement.
On March 1, 2023, Kaloleni County Assembly member Azhar Din sought an explanation from the county’s tourism committee regarding the use of funds during the World War I event. He asked for a detailed breakdown of the expenditures, reimbursements, and the names of officials involved. Din also wanted clarity on the event’s economic benefits to the residents.
“The Assembly has sought to ascertain the status of expenditure on the said event following public outcry over waste and misappropriation of public funds,” Speaker Mwamburi said.
