The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Nyamira County Assembly Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari over alleged procurement irregularities linked to the construction of an office block at the county assembly.
In a statement, the anti-graft agency said the arrest follows investigations into the award of a multimillion-shilling construction tender that allegedly resulted in significant financial loss to taxpayers.
Tender Award Under Scrutiny
According to EACC, investigations centered on Tender No. CAN/T/027/2017-2021, which was awarded to Jetta Builders Ltd despite the company allegedly not being the lowest evaluated bidder.
Under Kenya’s public procurement laws, government entities are generally required to award contracts to the lowest evaluated bidder who meets all technical, legal and financial requirements, ensuring value for money and prudent use of public resources.
Investigators allege that the procurement process was irregular and resulted in an unlawful financial benefit to the contractor.
KSh 30 Million Public Loss Alleged
The commission claims its investigations established that the tender award conferred an improper financial benefit amounting to KSh 30,187,396 to the contractor.
According to EACC, the alleged irregularities led to a corresponding loss of public funds, prompting the agency to forward its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review.
Following an assessment of the evidence, the DPP approved criminal charges against six individuals linked to the procurement process.
Five Other Officials to Face Charges
Besides Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari, five other county assembly officials are expected to face prosecution.
They include Leonard Kevin Nyamasege, Deputy Clerk and Director of Finance and Accounts; David Nyarango Ombego, Deputy Clerk and Director of Legislative, Legal Procedure and Committee Services; Joyce Onyiego, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation; and infrastructure officers Eric Ongúti Ayuka and Simon Ondari Ogecha.
The suspects are expected to face charges including abuse of office, willful failure to comply with laws governing the management of public funds, and negligence of official duty.
EACC Calls on Remaining Suspects to Surrender
EACC confirmed that Onyari was arrested and taken to the commission’s South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii for processing and statement recording ahead of his court appearance.
The commission has also directed the remaining five suspects to present themselves at the South Nyanza Regional Office or any nearby EACC office.
Anti-Graft Agency Vows Accountability
The commission reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption and protecting public resources from misuse.
“EACC remains committed to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law,” the agency stated.
The case adds to a growing list of investigations targeting alleged procurement irregularities within county governments as authorities intensify efforts to curb corruption and enhance accountability in public institutions.
