EACC probes use of millions of shillings by Embu County officials

Tarmacking of the Embu hospital-Kibugu road is currently underway courtesy of the county government. The 12.8km of tarmac will cost Sh387 million. [Joseph Muchiri, Standard]

The anti-graft commission has begun investigations into allegations of corruption and embezzlement by the Embu County government.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is seeking answers from Governor Martin Wambora's administration regarding payments of more than Sh130 million to suppliers.

The EACC wants the county government to explain how millions in taxpayers' money was paid to contractors over the last three years.

"In fulfilment of our mandate, this commission is investigating allegations of embezzlement of funds by county officials in Embu. To facilitate these investigations, kindly but urgently provide us with original documents of each of the contracts/tender awarded," read a letter by EACC Director of Investigations Abdi Mohamud to the county secretary.

Among the details investigators are looking for is Sh45 million paid to a single account operated at a local bank where 34 different transactions were conducted between March 19, 2015, and May 31, 2017.

The commission has also directed the county to freeze further payments on 17 contracts that are under investigation.

In a letter dated June 30, 2017, EACC is seeking all documents related to more than 10 tenders and payments from March 2015 to May of this year.

Among the documents of interest are tender advertisements, tender opening minutes, tender evaluation minutes, tender award letters, regret letters to unsuccessful bidders, certificates of inspection of goods and services delivered, all payment vouchers and local purchase orders.

"You are further advised not to make any payments on the above contracts under investigations. Our officers, David Wasike and Jeremiah Buchainga, will be available to collect the documents and record statements from your officers," said the letter.

Among the transactions under review is Sh1.2 million and Sh1.7 million paid in relation to public participation meetings held at the governor's office.

Others are seven tenders and payments made to a company when murram was put on the Kigogo-Ngiri road in 2016-2017, the supply of medical equipment, supply of a music system to an Embu hospital, supply of office equipment and construction of buildings and a hospital.

The other tenders under investigations include a road construction deal awarded to Mutahi Engineering Services Ltd worth Sh14,785,342, Enserve Holdings at Sh19,684,040, and Melly and Melly General Contractors - two tenders of Sh10,500,000 and Sh12,799,395.

The EACC is also seeking documents on the construction of a wall and gate awarded to Broad Vision Company at a cost of Sh13 million and medical insurance awarded to Resolution Health at Sh9 million.

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