By John Mugendi
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission detectives have arrested six former Makueni MCAs and former County Assembly Clerk Edward Libendi over loss of Sh1, 050, 111 that was fraudulently awarded to the legislators as allowances for a fully paid for trip to Dubai eight years ago.
The one week private trip between April 14 and April 21, 2014 was fully sponsored by then Kibwezi West MP Patrick Musimba.
The suspects including incumbent Timothy Sirei Maneno and former colleagues Bernard Wambua, John Muli, Cosmas Mutunga, Bernard Muthoka and Bensley Mwania would on return from Dubai claim and receive Sh175, 018.50 each as per diem which they were legally not entitled to.
The Assembly clerk facilitated the illegal payments.
Appearing before Makueni principal magistrate James Mwaniki on Tuesday, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to fraudulent acquisition of public property and were each released on Sh150, 000 cash bail or Sh300, 000 bond.
Being prospective candidates in the August 9 General Election, they argued in court, they were not flight risks.
Mr Libendi who is charged with facilitating the illegal payments did not appear in court with the Magistrate ordering him to appear on June 7.
The cases will be mentioned on June 14 when hearing date will be fixed.
