Rongo MP Paul Odalo Mark Arrested Over Ksh. 122 Million Corruption Scandal

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Rongo Member of Parliament Paul Odalo Mark following a high-stakes investigation into allegations of corruption, conflict of interest, and theft of public funds.

The legislator is accused of orchestrating a series of fraudulent transactions amounting to Ksh. 122 million through companies linked to him, under the Rongo National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) from the financial year 2017/2018 to 2024/2025.

EACC investigations revealed that Hon. Odalo Mark, in collaboration with Christopher Nelson Abuor, registered a private company, Aztec Infrastructure Kenya Ltd, which has been trading directly with the NG-CDF. The company reportedly secured tenders for classroom construction and borehole drilling, receiving Ksh. 122 million in payments.

“It is a clear case of conflict of interest when a sitting MP is both awarding and benefiting from tenders under his jurisdiction,” said an EACC spokesperson.

Further investigations uncovered another company, Jebset Holdings Limited, registered under the MP’s Personal Assistant, which received Ksh. 19.6 million from the NG-CDF. The assistant is listed as the sole director and signatory to the company’s bank account.

“This operation reflects a deliberate and systematic scheme to siphon public funds meant to benefit constituents,” added the EACC representative.

The arrest of Hon. Odalo Mark is part of a larger crackdown on the misuse of devolved funds, including the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the Women Enterprise Fund. The EACC disclosed that these funds are often misappropriated through ghost workers, payments for non-existent services, and conflicts of interest.

“We are determined to bring to justice those who exploit public resources for personal gain. No one is above the law,” asserted the EACC Chairperson.

Odalo was taken to the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre in Nairobi, where he is recording a statement. His arrest has sparked outrage among Rongo residents, who have called for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

“The funds in question were meant to improve our schools, water access, and livelihoods. It is disheartening to see such betrayal from our leaders,” said a local resident.

The EACC has urged public officials to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities and avoid abusing their positions. “State officers must act in the best interests of the people who entrusted them with power. Corruption has no place in leadership,” emphasized the Commission in a statement.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits to see whether this high-profile case will lead to a decisive conviction. The EACC’s operation sends a strong message to public officials that abuse of office will not be tolerated.

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