The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested eight former officials of Tana River County Government on Thursday evening for their involvement in the irregular awarding of a Ksh. 9 million tender. The tender in question was awarded for the fencing of wildlife offices and staff quarters in Hola town, and the arrest comes after a thorough investigation by EACC detectives.
The individuals arrested include high-ranking officials from various departments within the Tana River County Government. Among them are Fatuma Zahra, the former County Chief Officer for Public Service; Abashora Swaleh Salad, the former Principal Supply Chain Management Officer; Ali Dhidha Hussein, the Building Inspector from the Department of Public Works; and Issa Funani Bere, the former Senior Supply Chain Management Officer. Additionally, Mohamed Natse and Kevin Simiyu Wafula, both Supply Chain Management Officers, were also apprehended. Other arrests include Fatuma Napasha Hussein-Electro, a Casual Inspector in the Department of Public Works, and a director with Al-Karim Agencies, a company contracted to carry out the fencing project.
The operation led by the EACC’s Upper Coast regional office involved a coordinated effort across Tana River and Lamu Counties. Six of the suspects were arrested in Malindi and held overnight at the Malindi Police Station before being transported under tight security to Hola. The remaining two suspects were apprehended in Lamu County. All suspects are expected to be arraigned at the Hola Chief Magistrate Court on Friday.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrests and explained that the investigation uncovered numerous irregularities during the procurement process. Key among the issues was the absence of a proper budget and procurement plan for the tender. The evaluation process was also found to be non-compliant with procurement standards, and several documents were found to have been forged. These findings suggest a deliberate effort to bypass the necessary legal and procedural requirements, allowing the tender to be awarded to Al-Karim General Construction Company under dubious circumstances.
Ngumbi further revealed that the EACC is not done yet and is still pursuing the remaining six suspects involved in the case. Among them are one Senior Supply Chain Management Officer and five directors of Al-Karim General Construction Company. The EACC has called on these individuals to surrender to the relevant authorities, signaling the ongoing nature of the investigation.
This operation serves as a stern reminder of the EACC’s commitment to eradicating corruption and holding public officials accountable for their actions. With a focus on transparency and adherence to procurement laws, the commission is actively investigating irregularities that threaten public trust in government processes. The investigation into the Ksh. 9 million tender is one of many that demonstrates the EACC’s resolve to bring to justice those who engage in corrupt practices.
As the case progresses, the public will be watching closely, as it marks yet another example of the efforts being made to stamp out corruption in Kenya’s public sector.
