Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe has been arrested over the irregular purchase of maize by officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Confirming the arrest early Thursday morning, the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said they had apprehended Lesiyampe and NCPB GM Finance, Cornel Kiprotich Ng'elechey on allegations of irregular purchase of maize at the board.

The EACC said that 15 other senior officials including former NCPB MD Newton Terer and prominent traders are also being sought over the maize scandal.

Minutes earlier, the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji had called for the arrest and prosecution of Lesiyampe over the scam.