Six Transformers Never Arrived as EACC Arrests 3 Over Alleged Ksh 4.8 Million Fraud

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three suspects over the alleged embezzlement of Ksh 4.8 million allocated for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Igembe North Constituency.

The suspects, who are Pauline Waruguru Mwangi, James Muroki Eusebio and James Ntonjira Ntongai, were arrested on Wednesday, July 29, and are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to face several corruption-related charges.

EACC has also directed a fourth suspect, Joshua M’maroo, to surrender at its Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any nearby EACC office for processing and arraignment.

“Today, Wednesday, 29th July 2026, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Ksh 4,800,000 allocated for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for Igembe North Constituency during the 2014/2015 Financial Year,” the Commission said in a statement.

EACC Reveals How the Alleged Ksh 4.8 Million Fraud Was Carried Out

According to EACC, the investigations started after claims that senior officials linked to the Igembe North NG-CDF Committee stole money that had been set aside for electricity projects during the 2014/2015 financial year.

Also Read: EACC Arrests Senior Magistrate & Probation Officer Over Alleged Ksh 170,000 Bribe

The Commission said Ksh 4.8 million had been allocated to buy and install six electricity transformers at Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune. Each transformer was allocated Ksh 800,000.

Investigators found that the money was sent to six project bank accounts but was withdrawn on the same day by account signatories James Muroki Eusebio, James Ntonjira Ntongai and Joshua M’maroo. The withdrawals were allegedly approved by the then NG-CDF Fund Manager, Pauline Waruguru Mwangi.

No Transformers Installed Despite Full Payment

EACC said the committee claimed it had hired the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power to carry out the project.

Also Read: EACC Moves to Recover KSh1.5 Billion in Ruaraka Land Scandal

However, both organisations told investigators they never received any payment or communication about the project.

As a result, none of the six transformers was bought or installed even though the entire Ksh 4.8 million had already been withdrawn.

After completing the investigations, EACC forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the prosecution of the four suspects. They will face charges including conspiracy to commit corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.

Additionally, EACC said it remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable.

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A photo showing the EACC building. Photo / EACC