The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of public funds in Nandi County, involving fraudulent payments to ghost workers and other payroll irregularities. On Thursday, the EACC carried out an operation to seize documents and crucial evidence after the Nandi County Government failed to comply with a deadline to submit the required documents by September 30.
The operation led to the discovery of significant evidence, including the payroll server suspected to contain records of ghost workers, which will aid in the ongoing investigation. This action was authorized by the Eldoret Chief Magistrate's Court, allowing EACC to inspect the offices and vehicles of several Nandi County officials, who are believed to possess important information related to the case.
The targeted offices include those of the County Secretary, the Chief Officer of Finance, the Director of Human Resources, the Payroll Manager, and officials responsible for managing payroll. EACC investigators were also granted access to the offices of officials in charge of Education, Communication, and Health.
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The court’s warrant authorized EACC investigators to access the offices and vehicles of the respondents, using reasonable force if necessary, to search for evidence. They were also given the authority to confiscate records, documents, and electronic devices such as computers, phones, tablets, and storage devices, including their passwords or passcodes.
The seized items will be examined for any evidence of fraudulent activities, including irregular recruitment practices and payroll fraud. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will determine the next course of action, which may include prosecuting those involved and recovering any public funds that were unlawfully paid.
