Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested two senior officials from the previous administration of former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo over allegations of embezzling Ksh 296 million in public funds. The arrested individuals, Mary Ngoriakes, former Chief Officer for Education, and Mathew Arusio, former County Director of Bursary, were apprehended in Kapenguria by EACC detectives.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrests, stating that the two former officials will be charged with economic crimes in the Eldoret Anti-Corruption Court. “The officers were arrested this morning in West Pokot after the completion of investigations. They will be detained at Eldoret Central Police Station before their arraignment tomorrow (September 24, 2024, at 9:00 am),” Ngumbi said in a statement.
The suspects spent the day at EACC’s North Rift regional offices as evidence for their prosecution was finalized. They are part of a group of four officials expected to face charges related to the theft of public funds during the tenure of Governor Lonyangapuo, now chair of the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, a position to which he was appointed by President William Ruto.
The stolen funds, allegedly misappropriated during the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 financial years, were earmarked for the County Bursary, Education, and Infrastructure Fund to support needy students in the region. Investigations revealed that senior county officials conspired to siphon the money through nonexistent bursaries and education committees. Irregular cash withdrawals and the use of falsified documents, including fake meeting minutes, were part of the scheme.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against the suspects, including conspiracy to commit corruption, violation of procurement and public fund management procedures, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public property, all under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003. They also face charges under the Penal Code for making and uttering false documents.
EACC has called on two more suspects, Simon Kodomuk, former Chief Officer for Education, and Francil Tikol, former Assistant County Director of Bursary, to surrender, as they are currently in hiding.
