Lilian Nyiva
Nyamira County Assembly Deputy Clerk and Director of Finance and Accounts, Leonard Kevin Nyamasege, allegedly hid in the ceiling of his residence in an attempt to evade arrest by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigating an alleged irregular award of a KSh30 million tender. The incident occurred as EACC officers executed an operation targeting officials linked to the procurement case.
Alleged Irregular Tender Award
According to EACC, the investigations relate to the award of Tender No. CAN/T/027/2017–2021 for the construction of an office block at the Nyamira County Assembly. Investigators allege that the contract was awarded to Jetta Builders Ltd despite the company not being the lowest evaluated bidder.
The commission says the procurement process unlawfully conferred a financial benefit of approximately KSh30.2 million to the contractor, resulting in a corresponding loss of public funds.
Several Officials Face Charges
Nyamasege is among six county assembly officials accused in the case. Others include County Assembly Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari, Deputy Clerk David Nyarango Ombego, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Joyce Onyiego, and Infrastructure Officers Eric Ong'uti Ayuka and Simon Ondari Ogecha.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved criminal charges after reviewing the investigation file submitted by the EACC. 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 Intensifies Anti-Corruption Efforts
The anti-graft agency has reiterated its commitment to investigating procurement-related corruption and recovering public funds lost through irregular tendering processes. The case forms part of EACC's ongoing crackdown on alleged corruption in public institutions across the country.
