MP quizzed over graft allegations

Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka was Wednesday quizzed by anti-corruption detectives over allegations of misappropriation of constituency cash. PHOTO/FILE 

In Summary

• The arrest comes a week after Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko released a file authorising that  Mr Onyonka should be charged with using Sh137 million belonging to the Constituency Development Fund to buy sugar.
• Mr Onyonka is also said to have withheld Sh18 million in VAT after the transaction.

By Nation Reporter
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Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka was Wednesday quizzed by anti-corruption detectives over allegations of misappropriation of constituency cash.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officials questioned him in Nairobi and later released him on bond, pending appearance in court in Kisumu on Monday next week

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An official said he was arrested in Nairobi and driven to Integrity Centre, the Commission’s headquarters, where he was informed of the charges facing him and had his fingerprints taken.

The charges will be filed in Kisumu because the offence he faces is said to have been committed in Nyanza region.

The arrest comes a week after Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko released a file authorising that  Mr Onyonka should be charged with using Sh137 million belonging to the Constituency Development Fund to buy sugar.

It is alleged that the sugar was to be distributed to IDPs in his constituency in 2009.

Mr Onyonka is also said to have withheld Sh18 million in VAT after the transaction.

On Tuesday, the MP denied the accusations, saying he never bought sugar for his constituents.