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EACC recovers Sh6.5 million from Turkana Finance boss’ car

The operation by the Anti-Graft Commission targeted ten residences and offices of high-ranking officials of the county.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recovered Ksh 6.5 million in cash from inside the vehicle of the Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Michael Erigae Ekidor, which is suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

The operation by EACC detectives targeted 10 residences and offices of high-ranking officials of the county.

The anti-graft body also raided the homes of directors and businessmen closely linked with the Turkana County government.

EACC obtained warrants of search from the court to conduct the searches and it was during a search at Ekidor’s home that they recovered the cash stashed in his vehicle.

“Today’s operations have yielded valuable evidentiary material to support the ongoing investigations, including Sh6.5 million in cash, recovered inside Michael Eregae’s motor vehicle. The money is suspected to be the proceeds of corruption,” EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud stated.

Mohamud stated that they are currently investigating allegations of embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, and abuse of office against several Turkana County Government officials and those who are alleged to have traded with the County through various companies, resulting in payments of over Ksh 600 million for alleged procurement of goods/services between the Financial Years 2022/23 and 2023/24.

He added that they are also investigating how Ekidor amassed massive wealth, income, and assets during his tenure in charge of the County finance department.

Others targeted in the raids were Chief Officer for Municipalities and Urban Management Peter Lomurukai, Chief Officer for Roads and Transport Mark Achila, Procurement Director Samson Achila, Senior Accountant Lilian Alaper, Cleaning Supervisor Annah Narot, and her spouse John Tioko, Security Warden Abenyo Amathwel, former Assistant Director Accounting Stephen Lewoton and businessmen William Erex and Nagiro Edung.

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They all recorded statements at the ECC’s Lodwar offices as the sleuths continue with their investigations.

Mohamud added that after the inquiry is over, they recommend appropriate actions, including prosecution of those found culpable and recovery of the unexplained wealth and proceeds of corruption.

This comes even as the Commission had previously obtained court orders to freeze Ksh 180 million in a bank account belonging to Abenyo, who also owns several companies.

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