Three Former West Pokot Officials Deny 27 Charges in KES 296 Million Embezzlement Case
The accused, Mary Cheptur Ngoriakes, former Chief Officer for Education, Mathew Pkanam Arusio, former County Director of Bursary, and Francis Pkemoi, former Assistant County Director of Bursary, appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyani
The four West Pokot officials appearing before the Eldoret Court on 24th September 2024.
Three senior officials who served under former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo have denied 27 counts related to the embezzlement of KES 296 million in public funds.
The accused, Mary Cheptur Ngoriakes, former Chief Officer for Education, Mathew Pkanam Arusio, former County Director of Bursary, and Francis Pkemoi, former Assistant County Director of Bursary, appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyani on Tuesday.
The fourth suspect, Simon Kachapin Kodomuk, who is also implicated in the case, failed to appear in court for plea-taking. His absence led Magistrate Mikoyani to issue a summons, warning that if Kodomuk does not present himself by Tuesday next week, a warrant for his arrest would be issued.
Defense lawyer Kevin Ondaka, representing the three accused, urged the court to release his clients on reasonable bond and bail terms. He cited their health and personal circumstances, emphasizing that they were not flight risks. “Your honor, the first accused person [Simon Kodomuk] is incapacitated and is currently admitted in a hospital where he is recuperating. Once he recovers, I shall ensure that he avails himself in court,” Ondaka told the court.
He further noted that none of his clients possess a passport and all have fixed residences, arguing, “I humbly pray that you be lenient to my clients by giving them reasonable bond and bail terms.”
Ondaka also highlighted the personal challenges facing his clients. He informed the court that Ngoriakes has a child suffering from epilepsy and requires her constant care. Additionally, he stated that Arusio has asthma and diabetes and is on medication.
However, the State Counsel, David Fedha, called for stricter bond and bail terms, given the gravity of the charges and the substantial public funds involved. “Your honor, the lawyer for the accused has not produced any medical report for the two accused persons to prove their plea for reasonable bond and bail terms,” Fedha countered.
The three suspects were arrested by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Eldoret on Monday, following investigations into the alleged theft of county funds. They were held overnight at Eldoret Central Police Station ahead of their court appearance.
The charges against the accused include conspiring to commit economic crimes by fraudulently withdrawing KES 5.38 million from the West Pokot County Bursary, Education Development, and Infrastructure Fund between February 2018 and October 2018. Additionally, they face charges of unlawfully withdrawing KES 291 million between November 2018 and December 2021.
Magistrate Mikoyani ordered that the suspects remain in custody at Eldoret Central Police Station until their bond and bail application is heard next Tuesday.
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