The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has released former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani and Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, who were detained as part of a corruption investigation.
According to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, the two were among nine people arrested in a county-wide investigation into alleged financial mismanagement from 2014 to 2024.
"Investigations by the EACC involve allegations of corruption and economic crimes, such as conflict of interest, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of office, totaling over Kes.8 billion against officials of the County Government of Marsabit," stated the EACC.
Ngumbi explained that the EACC had obtained court orders to investigate properties owned by former and current officials.
"The goal of these operations was to gather evidence for our ongoing investigations," Ngumbi stated during the media briefing.
Did you read this?
Malicha Boru Wario, a County Executive Committee Member for Finance in the Marsabit County Government, was detained alongside Governor Mohamud.
Investigations revealed that Wario is also a director of two private companies involved in the alleged fraudulent activities.
EACC is also investigating Godana Halakhe Sora, Principal Administrator of the Governor's Office; Huka Wako Bidhu, Director of Burga Ventures Ltd and Ororo Company Ltd; and Umuro Gufu Sharamo, Director of Marsabit Investment.
In a separate development, Yatani, who previously served as Marsabit Governor, stated the Integrity Centre Police Station with five others.
Alamitu Guyo and Rukia Abdikadir, both spouses of Marsabit Governor Ali Mohamud Mohamed; Zaituni Ali Nuro, the Procurement Officer for Marsabit County Government; Alex Ali Kunni, the Director of Imperial Link Enterprises Ltd; and Ibrae Doko Yatani, the Director of Al Habib Enterprises, were among those who recorded statements.
The EACC confirmed on Thursday that the suspects had been unconditionally released after cooperating with investigators.
They have been directed to return to the EACC on May 2 for further questioning while the investigations continue.
Before their release, former Treasury Secretary Ukur Yatani's lawyers chastised the EACC for raiding his home at 4 a.m.
Otiende Omollo, a politician and lawyer, stated that the former CS voluntarily appeared before the commission to assist with the investigation, stressing that he was not a suspect.
"They conducted a raid on his home at 4 a.m., even on his wife's office," Omollo informed the media.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also commented on the arrests, stating that Marsabit Governor Ali had not been arrested but had voluntarily presented himself to the commission to assist with the ongoing investigation.
"The Governor is not in custody, he has not been charged, and he has not been questioned regarding any charges," Orengo stated. "There are ongoing investigations concerning matters in Marsabit County."
