Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into the loss of public funds amounting to Sh196,016,910 in Isiolo County.
EACC said the amount was a fraudulent payment made to the bank accounts of five officials in the Finance and Economic Planning Department of the County Government.
During the preliminary investigations, the Commission established that the payments were made on diverse dates between 2019 and 2022.
EACC suspects that the money was transferred to the accounts, to be shared later among other officials including those in senior county leadership.
The amounts received by each of the officials during the four-year period include Sh48,697,530, Sh30,452,715, Sh46,971,100, Sh20,432,965 and Sh49,462,600.
The Commission has since written to the County Government, through the County Secretary, to aid with the investigations.
This will include giving access to documents required, including the relevant payment vouchers.
"Failure to submit documents required for corruption investigations is an offence under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003," EACC said.
EACC pointed out that Isiolo County is one among the many counties facing embezzlement of county funds.
"This challenge points to weak oversight by County Assemblies which are established to, among other functions, ensure accountability in the utilization of public funds through effective oversight," the anti-graft body said.
The Commission urged the Assemblies to take notice of their mandates and enhance their oversight over the utilization of public resources by the county executive arms.
EACC further urged Governors to help end graft by eliminating conflict of interest in county operations and dismantling any existing corruption networks.
