The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine suspects over the alleged fraudulent disbursement and embezzlement of Sh1.57 billion under the Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) Programme implemented by the National Treasury with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The Commission said its investigations established that Sh1,569,582,338.20 was fraudulently disbursed from the National Treasury Development Account to the PROFIT Programme and subsequently channelled to 23 private entities, 15 business names and eight companies for goods and services that were allegedly never supplied.
The programme, which was designed to improve small-scale farmers’ access to affordable financing, was implemented between the 2013/2014 and 2023/2024 financial years.
According to EACC, programme officials allegedly used false and forged documents to account for the funds and opened an unauthorised KCB Bank account in the name of the PROFIT Programme.
The account allegedly received Sh175 million, which investigators say was subsequently laundered and embezzled, with a substantial amount withdrawn in cash.
The anti-graft agency also established financial links between programme officials and some of the private entities that received the money, allegedly contravening public financial management and accountability requirements.
Following completion of the investigations, EACC forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who approved the prosecution of 20 public officials, companies and company directors.
The suspects face charges including unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and uttering false documents, among other offences.
Those arrested are John Ngure Kabutha, Programme Coordinator, PROFIT Programme, Namwel Moturi Motanya, Head of Accounting Unit, National Treasury, John Maina Muriithi, Senior Accountant, National Treasury and Gladys Juliet Oroni alias Gladys Juliet, proprietor of Mawindo Enterprises, Brigs and Green Basil Agencies.
Others are Brian Kiprop Chepkarat, proprietor of El Konyinta Technologies, Ian Kwemoi Chepkarat, director of 020 Investments Limited and Vidi Vici Ltd, Josephat Kamau Kamoshe, director of Blue Dart Agencies Limited, James Omwodo Ndai, proprietor of Ednas Agencies, Prozepp Technologies and Steeren Enterprises and Jimmy Carter Odoyo Osodo, proprietor of Cadnic Investments.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
EACC has also directed 11 other suspects to immediately present themselves at the EACC Integrity Centre in Nairobi or the nearest EACC office for processing.
They are Billy Otieno Obango alias Billy Obango, Programme Accountant, PROFIT Programme; Auma Ritah Otieno, proprietor of Ritasshell Enterprises; Paul Mukasiali Shilaho, proprietor of Kemula Agencies and Shilal Supplies; Susan Wangari Gathiaka, proprietor of Maxtor Supplies and Graybar Distributors; Erick Otieno Achila, proprietor of Dangzerina Enterprises; Miriam Roseline Obinda, Fredrick Nyadhe Obindah and Brown Mujenyi Agade, directors of Laudrups Kenya Ltd; Hilda Ndinda Ngava, director of Kikwetu Holdings Limited; Charles Cheruiyot, director of Kaplan Logistics Limited; and Jackline Kagai Saisi, director of Jarods Agency Limited.
The Commission said it will pursue the recovery and forfeiture of public funds and assets found to have been acquired through corrupt conduct or other unlawful means.
EACC said the arrests and impending prosecutions demonstrate its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring those responsible for the alleged loss and misappropriation of public funds are held accountable.
All the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
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