EACC Nabs Garissa MCA, Ex-Officials Over Sh51.4M Fraudulent Payments Scandal

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a sitting Member of County Assembly (MCA) from Garissa County and two former county officials over the alleged loss of Sh51.4 million in fraudulent payments.

According to investigators, the three are suspected of being part of a scheme that saw public funds siphoned through irregular procurement and fake payment claims during their time in office. The money, meant for county development projects and essential services, is believed to have been paid to companies linked to the suspects or their associates.

Residents in Garissa expressed mixed reactions following the arrests, with some saying they hope the case will finally bring accountability to county leadership, while others said corruption has become a painful routine that continues to slow down development.

EACC officials said the arrests followed months of investigations, forensic audits, and review of financial records, which revealed suspicious transactions and approvals that violated procurement laws and public finance regulations. The suspects are expected to be presented in court to face corruption and economic crimes charges.

The commission reiterated its commitment to pursuing public officers who misuse taxpayer money, noting that corruption directly affects service delivery, from health and education to water and infrastructure.