EACC Probes Nandi County Over Ghost Workers and Payroll Fraud

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The EACC is investigating Nandi County over alleged embezzlement involving ghost workers and payroll fraud.
• Investigators seized key documents and electronic devices after a court allowed access to county officials’ offices.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of public fund embezzlement in Nandi County. The scheme reportedly involves illegal payments to ghost workers and other payroll irregularities.

As part of this probe, the EACC conducted an operation on Thursday to seize crucial documents and evidence after the Nandi County Government failed to comply with an order to submit the required records by September 30. 

During the operation, the Commission gathered valuable evidence, including the county’s payroll server, which is believed to contain details of the alleged ghost workers.

The operation followed a court ruling by the Eldoret Chief Magistrate’s Court, which granted EACC permission to examine the offices and vehicles of several Nandi County officials. 

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These include the offices of the County Secretary, Chief Officer of Finance, Director of Human Resources, Payroll Manager, and the officer(s) responsible for payroll. 

The Commission is also authorized to access the offices of officials in charge of education, communication, and health.

In its ruling, the court granted investigator Alex Mbae, or any other investigator appointed by EACC, authority to access these offices and vehicles. 

They were permitted to use reasonable force if necessary and search for documents or information that may assist in the investigation.

EACC was further empowered to confiscate records, documents, and electronic devices such as computers, laptops, phones, and storage devices, including passwords. 

Any property or information suspected of being tied to payroll fraud, recruitment irregularities, or other fraudulent activities was also subject to seizure.

Once the investigation is complete, the findings will determine the next course of action, which could include prosecution of those involved and recovery of any unlawfully paid public funds.