The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine people, including three National Treasury officials, over an alleged Sh1.57 billion fraud involving an IFAD-funded programme meant to improve access to affordable financing for small-scale farmers.

In a statement dated Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the anti-graft agency said the arrests followed investigations into the Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) Programme, which was implemented by the National Treasury with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

EACC said Sh1,569,582,338.20 was fraudulently disbursed from the National Treasury Development Account to the programme before being channelled to 23 private entities – 15 business names and eight companies – for goods and services that were allegedly never supplied or rendered.

The programme was implemented between the 2013/2014 and 2023/2024 financial years.

According to EACC, investigators established that programme officials allegedly used “false and forged documents” to account for the funds.

The commission also claims an unauthorized KCB Bank account was opened in the name of the PROFIT Programme and used to receive Sh175 million.

EACC alleges the money was later laundered and embezzled, with a substantial portion withdrawn in cash. Investigators further reported financial links between some programme officials and private entities that received the funds, raising questions over compliance with public financial management and accountability requirements.

The commission said the Director of Public Prosecutions approved the prosecution of 20 public officials, companies and company directors after reviewing the investigation file.

The case brings together public officials and private businesses, with investigators tracing how programme funds moved from the Treasury Development Account through private entities and, in one instance, an account that EACC says had not been authorised.

The suspects are expected to face charges including unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and uttering false documents, among other offences.

Those arrested include PROFIT Programme Coordinator John Ngure Kabutha; National Treasury Head of Accounting Unit Namwel Moturi Motanya; and National Treasury Senior Accountant John Maina Muriithi.

Also arrested were Gladys Juliet Oroni alias Gladys Juliet, proprietor of Mawindo Enterprises, Brigs Agencies and Green Basil Agencies; Brian Kiprop Chepkart, proprietor of El Konyinta Technologies; and Ian Kwemoi Chepkart, a director of 020 Investments Limited and Vidi Vici Ltd.

Others are Josephat Kamau Kamoshe, director of Blue Dart Agencies Limited; James Omwodo Ndai, proprietor of Ednas Agencies, Prozepp Technologies and Steeren Enterprises; and Jimmy Carter Odoyo Osodo, proprietor of Cadnic Investments.

EACC said the nine suspects are expected to be arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The commission has also directed 11 other suspects to immediately present themselves at Integrity Centre in Nairobi or the nearest EACC office for processing.

They include PROFIT Programme Accountant Billy Otieno Obango alias Billy Obango, Auma Ritah Otieno of Ritasshell Enterprises, Paul Mukasiali Shilaho of Kemula Agencies and Shilal Supplies, Susan Wangari Gathiaka of Maxtor Supplies and Graybar Distributors, and Erick Otieno Achila of Dangzerina Enterprises.

Also being sought are Miriam Roseline Obinda, Fredrick Nyadhe Obindah and Brown Mujenyi Agade, all listed as directors of Laudrups Kenya Ltd; Hilda Ndinda Ngava of Kikwetu Holdings Limited; Charles Cheruiyot of Kaplan Logistics Limited; and Jackline Kagai Saisi of Jarods Agency Limited.

“The EACC remains committed to protecting public resources and ensuring persons responsible for loss or misappropriation are held accountable,” the commission said.

Beyond the criminal proceedings, EACC said it will seek to recover and forfeit public funds and assets established to have been acquired through corrupt conduct or other unlawful means.

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