Ex-CS Yatani, Marsabit Governor Mohamud freed, to appear before EACC next week

The EACC, in a press briefing by spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, said that the two were among nine arrested as part of an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement that lasted from 2014 to 2024 in the county. 

"Investigations by the EACC involve allegations of corruption and economic crimes, such as conflict of interest, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of office, totaling over Kes.8 billion against officials of the County Government of Marsabit," stated the EACC.

Ngumbi explained that the EACC had obtained court orders to investigate properties belonging to both former and current officials. 

"The objective of these operations was to gather evidence in support of our ongoing investigations," Ngumbi stated during the media briefing.

Malicha Boru Wario, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance in the Marsabit County Government, was arrested alongside Governor Mohamud.

Investigations revealed that Wario is also a director of two private companies linked to the alleged fraudulent activities. 

EACC is also looking into Godana Halakhe Sora, Principal Administrator at the Governor's Office; Huka Wako Bidhu, Director of Burga Ventures Ltd and Ororo Company Ltd; and Umuro Gufu Sharamo, Director of Marsabit Investment.

In a separate development, Yatani, who previously served as Marsabit Governor, recorded a statement at the Integrity Centre Police Station alongside five other people. 

Those who recorded statements  include Alamitu Guyo and Rukia Abdikadir, both spouses of Marsabit Governor Ali Mohamud Mohamed; Zaituni Ali Nuro, the Marsabit County Government's Procurement Officer; Alex Ali Kunni, the Director of Imperial Link Enterprises Ltd; and Ibrae Doko Yatani, the Director of Al Habib Enterprises.

The EACC confirmed on Thursday that the suspects were released unconditionally after cooperating with investigators. 

They have been directed to return to the EACC on May 2 for additional questioning as the investigations continue.

Prior to their release, the legal representatives of former Treasury Secretary Ukur Yatani chastised the EACC for raiding Mr. Yatani's home at 4 a.m. 

Otiende Omollo, a politician and lawyer, stated that the former CS voluntarily appeared before the commission to help with the investigation, emphasising that he was not a suspect. 

"They conducted a raid on his home at 4 a.m., even on his wife's office," Omollo informed the media.

Siaya Governor James Orengo also commented on the arrests, stating that Marsabit Governor Ali had not been arrested but had voluntarily presented himself to the commission to assist with the ongoing investigation. 

"The Governor is not in custody, he has not been charged, and he has not been questioned regarding any charges," Orengo stated. "There are ongoing investigations concerning matters in Marsabit County."