Four senior officials from Taita Taveta County on October 23, 2024 faced charges at the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court.
They were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday, after being accused of stealing Ksh.7 million from public funds.
The money was allegedly meant for an event to commemorate World War I, but the entire plan was a sham.
The officials charged are Thomas Jumwa, the current Economic Advisor to the Governor of Taita Taveta, Liverson Mghendi, the former County Secretary, Leonard Langat, the former Chief Officer for Finance, Christine Wakera the former Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism, and Co-operatives Development.
All the four county leaders are being held at Mombasa Central Police Station.
The investigation revealed that the World War I event was neither included in the 2022/23 financial budget nor in the county’s annual procurement plan.
Despite this, payments were made to suppliers who provided no services or goods, and the documents supporting these payments were forged.
The officials face several charges, including abuse of office, forgery, conspiracy to commit corruption, and engaging in a project without prior planning.
In addition to the criminal charges, the EACC is preparing to file civil proceedings to recover the stolen money.
