Tana River, Kenya – In a significant development, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended an Assistant County Commissioner, Teddy Buya Bonaya, in connection with the alleged sale of relief food meant for residents in Tana River County. The arrest was made on Wednesday morning, as part of the EACC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the public sector.
According to the anti-graft agency, Teddy Buya Bonaya, who served in Kilifi’s Ganze sub-county, is accused of selling relief food with an estimated value of Sh 550,200. The aid was originally intended for needy residents in Tana North Sub-County within Tana River County. EACC detectives acted swiftly to apprehend the administrator, and he is set to be arraigned on Thursday to face charges related to the alleged misappropriation of relief resources.
This incident underscores the pressing issue of corruption within the public service, where officials entrusted with the distribution of essential resources meant for vulnerable populations are accused of diverting them for personal gain. The EACC, led by Renson Ingonga, remains committed to rooting out corruption and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
This arrest follows a similar operation conducted by EACC officers in June of the previous year, where an Assistant County Commissioner in Roysambu was apprehended on bribery allegations. In that case, the administrator was accused of demanding a bribe of Sh50,000 from a Mathare resident. The bribe was allegedly sought in exchange for the return of construction materials that had been confiscated following the demolition of the complainant’s three-roomed house, constructed on a road reserve. The administrator’s agent, identified as David Musyoki, was also arrested in connection with the case.
The EACC highlighted the second suspect’s attempt to evade arrest by fleeing to the Mathare slums. However, the agency’s diligent efforts led to the apprehension of the suspect in the densely populated area. This demonstrates the EACC’s determination to pursue individuals involved in corrupt activities, regardless of their attempts to evade justice.
As the fight against corruption intensifies, the EACC encourages citizens to report any suspected cases of corruption and collaborate with the authorities in building a more transparent and accountable society. The arrest of Teddy Buya Bonaya serves as a reminder that those entrusted with public resources must act with integrity, and any deviation from ethical conduct will be met with legal consequences. The EACC continues to play a pivotal role in upholding the values of transparency and accountability within the Kenyan public sector.