EACC flags Turkana County for awarding aviation services tender to clerk's firm

The commission, in its latest quarterly report, revealed that the Clerk of the County Assembly was working with the county government to award a tender to offer air travel services to Reapak Travel Agency, a company that he serves as the director. 

EACC's investigations also showed that the officers in the Finance Department within the county jointly approved and processed payment without confirming whether the supporting documents were available. 

This raised eyebrows from the commission which launched investigations to assess the matter. 

On June 3, 2024, EACC forwarded a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), recommending those involved in the procurement process to be charged. 

These include the Clerk of Turkana County Assembly, the Procurement Officer, the Deputy Clerk, the Principal Finance Officer, the Principal Internal Auditor, the Senior Accountant, the Director, Finance, an agent of Reapak Travel Agency Limited, Reapak Travel Agency Limited and its Directors. 

The eight offences include five counts of abuse of office, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, unlawful acquisition of public property and conflict of interest contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act, of 2003. 

In its report, the Commission said it's awaiting the DPP's response on the file. 

The revelation comes at a time when President William Ruto's administration has vowed to deal with graft and conflict of interest through adoption and improvement of technology systems. This, according to the president, would enhance accountability. 

In July 2024, President Ruto also implored parliament to pass the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, which he insisted would support anti-corruption measures and ensure that no public or state officer would misuse their position to benefit or acquire a tender. 

"I want to encourage Parliament to expedite the Conflict of Interest Bill that will support our anti-corruption measures, especially in relation to public officers," President Ruto said in KICC on July 9, 2024.