Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, along with three others, has been apprehended by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The other individuals include Leah Adda Gwiyo, former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and Joseph Odero of West Consult Engineers.
The arrests are related to the alleged irregular payment of Sh18.5 billion designated for the construction of Kenya Utalii College, Coast branch, in Kilifi.
EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi stated that the investigation focused on the irregular payment of Sh8.5 billion by the Tourism Fund, with Sh4 billion going to Baseline Architects Ltd for consultancy services for the proposed Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Vipingo, Kilifi county.
“After the investigations, EACC submitted the report to the DPP, who concurred with the recommendations to apprehend and charge 16 persons,” Ngumbi explained.
The suspects are now facing ten counts of corruption and economic crimes, including charges of procurement fraud and misappropriation of Sh8.5 billion in public funds. They are currently being held at Integrity Centre in Nairobi.
