In a major crackdown on corruption, the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended Kwale County’s Head of Treasury, Vincent Chirima Mbito, and his four brothers.
The siblings, involved in various county departments, including revenue, procurement, and health, were taken into custody over allegations of embezzling Kes. 48.9 million.
The Mbito family, also directors of Chilongola Holdings and Rome Investments (k) Limited, stands accused of orchestrating fraudulent deals with the Kwale County Government.
The suspects include Vincent Chirima Mbito, the County Head of Treasury; Mongo Mbito Mongo, the County Revenue Officer; Hassan Shilingi Mbito, a driver at Kwale Water and Sewerage Company Limited; Mwaiwe Mongo Mbito, the Kwale County Procurement Officer; and Chindoro Mongo Mbito, initially an intern at Kwale County and later employed by the National Government in the Ministry of Health.
The accused were transferred from Mombasa Central Police Station to the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court, where they are expected to face charges related to ten contracts awarded to their companies.
Rome Investments and Chilongola Limited received exaggerated payments of Kes. 44,919,341 and Kes. 4,007,943, respectively.
The fraudulent tenders, secured through forged documents and in violation of procurement laws, encompassed the supply and delivery of sanitation materials, food and ration, general office supplies, and institutional appliances.
The graft scandal points to a systemic abuse of power within Kwale County, as the Mbito family exploited their positions for personal gain.
The inflated payments for services not rendered raise concerns about the integrity of the county’s procurement processes.
The EACC’s swift action underscores a commitment to combating corruption at all levels, sending a strong message that those engaged in such practices will be held accountable.
As the Mbito family faces charges in court, the community awaits further revelations about the extent of corruption within Kwale County.
The case highlights the importance of strengthening anti-corruption measures and ensuring transparent governance to safeguard public funds and maintain the trust of citizens.
The trial proceedings will undoubtedly shed light on the intricate web of corruption that has tainted the county’s financial transactions and could have far-reaching implications for accountability in local government.
