KSh 1.57b stolen: EACC arrests senior Treasury officers, shares their names
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission arrested nine suspects, including senior National Treasury officials, over the alleged theft of KSh 1.57 billion
- Investigators found that funds meant to help small-scale farmers access affordable financing were diverted to 23 private entities for goods never supplied
- The DPP approved prosecution of 20 public officials, company directors and firms, with 11 more suspects directed to report to EACC offices
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested nine suspects on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in connection with the alleged fraudulent disbursement of KSh 1,569,582,338.20 from the National Treasury under the Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) Programme.
The programme was jointly implemented by the National Treasury and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) between the 2013/2014 and 2023/2024 financial years. Its stated purpose was to expand small-scale farmers' access to affordable financing.
How the Fraud Was Allegedly Carried Out
EACC investigations established that the funds were transferred from the National Treasury Development Account into the PROFIT Programme and subsequently channelled to 23 private entities, comprising 15 business names and eight companies, for goods and services that were never delivered. Programme officials are also alleged to have used forged and false documents to account for the expenditure.
Investigators further established that an unauthorised KCB Bank account was opened in the name of the PROFIT Programme, through which KSh 175 million was received and laundered, with a substantial portion withdrawn in cash.
EACC reported that financial links were also uncovered between programme officials and several of the private entities that received the funds.
The 9 Suspects Arrested
The nine individuals arrested are: John Ngure Kabutha, Programme Coordinator of the PROFIT Programme; Namwel Moturi Motanya, Head of Accounting Unit at the National Treasury; John Maina Muriithi, Senior Accountant at the National Treasury; Gladys Juliet Oroni, proprietor of Mawindo Enterprises, Brigs Agencies and Green Basil Agencies; Brian Kiprop Chepkarat, proprietor of El Konyinta Technologies; Ian Kwemoi Chepkarat, director of 020 Investments Limited and Vidi Vici Ltd; Josephat Kamau Kamoshe, director of Blue Dart Agencies Limited; James Omwodo Ndai, proprietor of Ednas Agencies, Prozepp Technologies and Steeren Enterprises; and Jimmy Carter Odoyo Osodo, proprietor of Cadnic Investments.
All nine are expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. They face charges including unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and uttering false documents.
The Director of Public Prosecutions approved the prosecution of 20 suspects in total, including public officials, companies and company directors.
The EACC additionally directed 11 other suspects to report immediately to the EACC Integrity Centre in Nairobi or the nearest EACC office.
Those named include Billy Otieno Obango, Programme Accountant; along with proprietors and directors of several firms, among them Ritasshell Enterprises, Kemula Agencies, Maxtor Supplies, Dangzerina Enterprises, Laudrups Kenya Ltd, Kikwetu Holdings Limited, Kaplan Logistics Limited and Jarods Agency Limited.
Beyond the criminal proceedings, the commission said it would pursue recovery and forfeiture of all public funds and assets found to have been acquired through corrupt or unlawful means.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.