EACC probing governors, county officials in 16 counties over multi-billion shillings graft claims
Counties under examination include Nakuru, Nairobi, Migori, Vihiga, West Pokot, Kajiado, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Homa Bay, Wajir, Samburu, Makueni, Kakamega, Siaya, and Trans Nzoia.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified investigations into the misuse of public funds in 16 county governments, with both current and former governors under scrutiny.
The ongoing probe, now at an advanced stage, seeks to uncover allegations of embezzlement, improper tendering, and other financial misconduct.
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As reported by Business Daily, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the cases cover a range of suspected crimes, including theft, conflict of interest, money laundering, and awarding contracts to close relatives or associates.
Counties under examination include Nakuru, Nairobi, Migori, Vihiga, West Pokot, Kajiado, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Homa Bay, Wajir, Samburu, Makueni, Kakamega, Siaya, and Trans Nzoia.
In Nakuru, eight senior county officers have been summoned following Governor Susan Kihika’s appearance before the Senate over irregular payments of Sh22 million to private law firms.
Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu’s 2023/24 report revealed numerous unsupported expenditures, including Sh339.5 million in bank account discrepancies, Sh93.3 million on undocumented training, Sh22.4 million spent on foreign trips, and over Sh2 billion in pending bills yet to be cleared.
Trans Nzoia County is also under investigation after Governor George Natembeya admitted that rogue officers were siphoning county revenue. The county collected only Sh261 million against a target of Sh643 million, raising questions about financial oversight and internal controls.
Other counties on the EACC’s watchlist include Nairobi, Kajiado, Migori, and West Pokot, which reportedly lost more than Sh6.3 billion through irregular tenders and dubious payments.
In Vihiga, an MCA and their spouse are accused of diverting Sh200 million, while Nairobi County faces scrutiny over Sh93 million paid to 13 firms that allegedly never delivered goods or services during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
The commission has obtained 1,546 warrants to search bank and mobile money accounts, properties, and vehicles linked to the suspects.
Investigations in Marsabit and Garissa counties are complete, with files now awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ review.
In several cases, senators have asked the EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe unexplained spending and inflated pending bills.
The commission is also investigating former county officials suspected of participating in the misappropriation of funds.
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