The detectives from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday arrested Acting Nairobi County Secretary Simon Leboo Ole Morintat over graft.
The arrest of the county secretary comes after Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was barred from accessing his office over the alleged misappropriation of Sh357 million from the county government of Nairobi. Confirming the arrest, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak said that the official recorded a statement with the office after he was arrested.
He, however, said that the officer was released after being grilled for hours over the matter. Mbarak also revealed that the detectives from his office nabbed documents, as well as equipment from his office, believed to have been applied in committing a series of crimes.
The seized items included phones and computers. The detectives said that the devices contained information to prove how the official siphoned resources meant for the county government. Mbarak also said that the sleuths are examining crucial information against the official over links to graft.
He also said that the county secretary is being investigated for backdating several appointments made by the embattled county boss as well as his close allies. The detectives have also ordered two of the secretaries working in the office of Ole Morintant to record statements in regard to the issue.
The arrest comes after DPP Haji opposed the nomination of Anne Kanuna Mwendwa by the governor as Deputy. Haji termed the appointment unlawful since the governor has been barred from accessing office, adding that Sonko has no powers to appoint Deputy.
"Sonko cannot purport to have the powers to name a deputy while his case is still active. His action is null and void," cautioned Haji.