This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On July 24, 2019, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested five staff members of the West Pokot county government in connection with the theft of 20,000 bags of maize.
The arrests have sparked panic and confusion among the county's staff, with many fearing that more arrests are to follow.
According to sources, the county secretary, Mike Parklea, and four others - Titus Mayech, Alice Jepkosgey, Joseph Lolemtum, and Elvis Mwanga - were arrested and taken to court in Eldoret.
Human rights activist Denis Kapchok has criticized Governor John Lonyangapou's handling of the case, saying that the governor's statement 'kila mtu atabeba mzigo wake' (each person will carry their own burden) is a reference to using and dumping innocent people in prison cells.
The arrested staff members are facing charges of stealing public funds, and their careers are at risk as their certificates of good conduct are likely to be revoked.
It is alleged that the county government exploited the ignorance and naivety of junior officers by asking them to procure maize through a restricted tender, which only applies to the purchase of military equipment.
