EACC grills Kisii County Trade Chief Officer over loss of Sh50 million

EACC detectives escort chief officer in charge of trade and tourism John Obwocha (centre) after they interviewed him in his office over loss of sh50m at the Kisii County government. PHOTO: SAMMY OMINGO/STANDARD

Kisii County Government Chief Officer in charge of Trade John Obwocha has been grilled by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over the loss liquor licensing money amounting to Sh50 million.

According to South Nyanza EACC Regional Officer Mr Abraham Kemboi, the money might have been lost in a parallel liquor licensing scheme.

This loss he says could have been incurred after businesses were allegedly issued with fake licensing receipts.

Obwocha is said to have been named by some of the suspects who had been questioned early on and turned to blame game. 

Kemboi said five suspects will eventually be arraigned in court.

EACC detectives later headed to Obwocha's house where three officers searched for further evidence linking him to the loss of the public money.

Two other county officers; Douglas Siocha who is the Chief Licensing Officer and George Oketch and accountant in the department of Trade were also quizzed.

EACC officials also recovered banking slips and other financial statements from their residences after a search.

"We began investigation some time last year and we intend to carry out a further detailed investigation. We will further carry an inspection into their mobile money transfer. Our search into their premises was to recover some financial documents," said Mr Kemboi.

Obwocha was later released as Kemboi promised to take him to court soon to face charges of issuing of fraudulent liquor licenses.