GARISSA—The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating government officials in Ijara, Garissa county after they were accused of misappropriating consignment of relief food.
Confirming the case, the head of the commission in Garissa Japhet Baithalu said the agency was investigating how 1,000 sacks and packets of rice, beans and cooking oil were lost.
The relief was meant for the people affected by the drought in Ijara sub county. The consignment was released on December.
The Garissa EACC detectives are also investigating how 300 sacks of rice and beans meant for January distribution were lost from the records.
President Uhuru, while declaring drought a national disaster, warned officials from taking advantage of the situation, saying he would be tough on corruption and fraud.
“Any official found enriching him/herself from this situation will be punished because this would amount to fraud, which is punishable under the law,” Uhuru warned.
He called on all investigative agencies to remain active in this period and get themselves engaged in the process from purchase, transportation and distribution to avert cases of corruption.
“Let all investigative agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, get involved in the activities being undertaken during this period,” he said.
“I don’t want a situation where the government would be accused of taking advantage of this situation,”he added.
The Garissa case will be the first reported case of such magnitude.
