Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has suspended 30 county officials linked to the building approvals scam in Mavoko sub-county.
Mutua said preliminary administrative investigations and audit had unearthed a major scam in the sub-county.
He said Machakos County Government had lost millions of shillings in underhand dealings.
"The scam included undercharging of building approvals, approvals without valid proof of ownership, suspected fake payment receipts not supported by deposits among others," Mutua said in a statement.
Those suspended include the director of physical planning Mutua Mutisya, sub-county administrator Jackson Kiio, sub-county planner Titus Mulinge and Mavoko sub-county engineer Mathei Mwanza.
Mutua announced the officers’ suspension at a press conference outside the Mavoko Town Hall in Athi River town on Friday.
Mutua was accompanied by his deputy Francis Maliti, advisor on ethics and corruption issues, Hyslop Ipu, chief officers of Public Works and Treasury, Kimeu Kimeu and Jacinta Masila respectively.
"The suspended officers will not be allowed to report to their workplaces unless accompanied by police officers," Mutua said.
He added that all the suspended employees will be subjected to a lifestyle audit.
Mutua directed that the suspended officials submit copies of their identity cards and personal identification numbers.
He said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken up the matter and those found culpable will not be spared.
The Mavoko land registry was closed on September 3 to pave way for the audit, allow for reorganisation and improve service delivery.
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