The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) acting Managing Director (MD) was among senior officers arrested in Eldoret after the Director of Public prosecution, DPP released a list of suspects involved in the Arror and Kimwarer Dam scandal.
The acting MD, Francis Kipkech, the Planning Manager, David Onyango and Deputy Procurement Officer, Charity Muui were arrested by CID officers from headquarters and taken to Eldoret Police Station where they were locked up.
Nine other senior KVDA officials listed in DPP’s, Noordin Haji’s list of suspects took to their heels to escape arrest as wananchi watched from a distance. They are wanted in connection with the stalled Arror and Kimwarer multi-purpose dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The acting MD was holding a staff meeting at regional authority’s 14th floor in Eldoret town when the CID officers stormed the Boardroom and arrested him alongside the two other officials.
The DPP issued arrest warrant for senior government officials linked to the Sh. 65 billion dams’ scandal on Monday morning before the CID sleuths moved in to action.
Kipkech and the two others remained in the boardroom as the other staff bolted out when they got wind that the CID officers were on their way to arrest them.
With tension and anxiety gripping KVDA staff, excited residents camped outside the KVDA building as soon as the DPP’s directive was released through the press and circulated via social media platforms.
The arrested officials are expected to be transported to Nairobi to face prosecution in connection with the stalled dams.
All activities were halted at the KVDA building with staff streaming to the nearby central police station to establish the fate of the senior officials who were locked in the cell.
A senior CID officer who declined to be named confirmed the arrest of the three officials and vowed to remain in the region until they apprehend the nine who escaped.
In his morning statement, the DPP said KVDA did not comply with the principal of fairness and value for money in awarding the contract to CMC Di Ravenna with full knowledge that the company faced financial constraints back in their country, Italy.
He further said KVDA broke the law on public finance management and flouted procurement rules hence committing illegalities in the stalled projects.
By Kiptanui Cherono
