Nyamira County Assembly clerk arrested over alleged Ksh.30M tender scandal

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said the arrest follows investigations into the award of Tender No. CAN/T/027/2017-2021 to Jetta Builders Ltd, despite the company allegedly not being the lowest evaluated bidder.

By law, the government is generally required to choose the lowest evaluated bidder, meaning that the company must meet all the technical and legal requirements and offer the most cost-effective price for taxpayers.

According to EACC, investigations established that the tender award unlawfully conferred a financial benefit of Ksh.30,187,396 to the contractor, resulting in a corresponding loss of public funds.

Following the completion of investigations, the commission forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who reviewed the evidence and approved criminal charges against six suspects.

Besides Onyari, those set to face charges are Leonard Kevin Nyamasege, the Deputy Clerk and Director of Finance and Accounts; David Nyarango Ombego, the Deputy Clerk and Director of Legislative, Legal Procedure and Committee Services; Joyce Onyiego, Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department; and infrastructure officers Eric Ongúti Ayuka and Simon Ondari Ogecha.

The commission said Onyari was arrested and escorted to the EACC South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii for processing and statement recording ahead of his arraignment in court.

EACC has also called on the remaining five suspects to report to the South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii or any nearest EACC office.

The suspects are expected to face various charges, including abuse of office, willful failure to comply with the law relating to the management of public funds, and negligence of official duty.

"The Commission reiterates its commitment to safeguarding public resources and holding accountable all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes."