EACC Arrests Three Over KSh4.8 Million NG-CDF Transformer Project Fraud

Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested three suspects over the alleged embezzlement of KSh4.8 million meant for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Igembe North Constituency.

Those arrested are Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio and James Ntonjira Ntongai. They are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to face corruption-related charges after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved their prosecution.

According to EACC, investigations began after allegations that senior officials of the Igembe North NG-CDF embezzled funds allocated during the 2014/2015 financial year for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers. Each project had been allocated KSh800,000, bringing the total project value to KSh4.8 million.

The transformers were intended for Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune, with the project expected to expand electricity access to the six communities.

Investigators established that the funds were transferred into six separate project bank accounts before being withdrawn on the same day by account signatories acting with the authority of the then NG-CDF Fund Manager.

EACC further found that although the NG-CDF committee claimed it had engaged the former Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power to implement the project, both institutions confirmed they neither received payment nor any communication regarding the procurement.

Field investigations also established that no transformers were ever purchased or installed at any of the identified project sites despite the full withdrawal of the allocated funds.

The suspects are set to face charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.

EACC said a fourth suspect, Joshua M'Maroo, has not yet been arrested and has been directed to report to the Commission's Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo, or any nearby EACC office, for processing and arraignment.