Gov't Official Arrested After Stealing Food Worth Ksh550,200

A senior government official has been arrested by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers for stealing food valued at Ksh550,200. 

The official of the rank of an Assistant County Commissioner was arrested on Wednesday, January 31 following a raid at his office. 

EACC accused Assistant County Commissioner Teddy Buya Bonaya who is stationed in Ganze Sub-County, in Kilifi County, of stealing and selling relief food meant for poor families in Tana River.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned on Thursday, February 1 in connection with the stealing allegations.

"The Commission has this morning arrested one Teddy Buya Bonaya, Assistant County Commissioner 1, Ganze Sub-County, in Kilifi County, who stole and sold relief food valued at Ksh550,200 meant for needy residents in Tana North Sub-County within Tana-River County. He will be arraigned tomorrow," EACC announced.

According to reports, the stolen food was meant to help displaced families following the heavy rainfall in December.

The heavy rains rendered 800 families homeless in the area after River Tana burst its banks. Mororo, Bakuyu and Ziwani villages of Madogo were the most affected by the flooding.

The disaster compelled the County Government of Tana River through the Department of Special Programmes and the Red Cross Society to step up efforts to distribute food and non-food items to affected families living in the makeshift camps.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also partnered with other stakeholders to ensure affected families were relocated following the heavy rains. 

Some families failed to secure the aid with reports alleging that some officials stole the donations.

However, EACC's concerted efforts have led to the apprehension of an Assistant County Commissioner who is expected to lift the lid on the scheme.