The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has commenced investigations into an allegation of embezzlement of over Ksh1.1 billion public funds in the County Government of Kilifi through fraudulent payment of legal fees to law firms.
It is reported that some law firms colluded with the County Government to receive illegal payments in respect to matters filed in Court.
“Investigations are underway to avert any loss of public funds and ensure that any culpable person is dealt with in accordance with the law. The Kilifi case is part of several others under investigations by EACC in an emerging trend where public entities collude with law firms to embezzle public funds through fictitious or exaggerated legal fees and kickbacks,” EACC said in a statement.
EACC vigilance
The anti-graft agency said that it has intensified vigilance during this transition period and has so far disrupted corruption transactions and schemes aimed at looting public funds, especially in Governments.
“EACC warns all accounting officers who may facilitate loss of public funds through such schemes that they will be personally held to account,” added the statement.
A source from the watchdog told K24 Digital that they have written to the County Government of Kilifi to furnish them with documents that would help unravel the extent of the rot.
