The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 10 individuals and companies involved in a Sh51 million corruption and money laundering scheme linked to the County Government of Kilifi.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday by Justice Elizabeth Usui at the Malindi Anti-Corruption Court, following convictions entered on April 17, 2026, the court found that the offences caused economic loss to Kilifi County and affected development efforts meant to improve the welfare of residents.
The court further noted that the proceeds of the crime were largely used for personal enrichment and had not been refunded.
The convicted individuals and entities were found to have benefited from the illegal and fraudulent transfer of public funds between September 19 and October 7, 2016.
During that period, officials of the County Government of Kilifi irregularly paid out Sh51,569,775 for services that were not rendered and goods that were not supplied to six private companies.
The companies involved were Daima One Enterprises, Zohali Services Limited, Makegra Suppliers Limited, Kilingi Investments Limited, Leadership Edge Associates and Jahazi Investments Company Limited.
While considering mitigation, the court acknowledged that the convicts were first offenders, family breadwinners and had faced lengthy trial proceedings and financial strain during the case.
However, the court emphasised the growing prevalence of corruption and economic crimes in the country and highlighted the need for deterrent sentences.
The court imposed substantial fines, mandatory penalties equivalent to the benefits derived from the offences and custodial sentences in default of payment.
“All sentences relating to each accused person are to run consecutively,” the court ruled.
Sarah Wangui Kamau was sentenced to cumulative fines amounting to Sh17,461,880, including mandatory penalties equivalent to benefits derived from the offences. In default of payment, she will serve a cumulative prison term of five years and eight months.
Mary Munyiva Kamau was sentenced to cumulative fines totalling Sh26,026,356, including mandatory penalties equivalent to benefits derived from the offences. In default, she will serve 13 years’ imprisonment.
Makegra Supplies Limited, through its director, Mary Munyiva Kamau, was fined a cumulative Sh25,726,356, with a default custodial sentence of 10 years.
Stephen Mutua Nguzi received cumulative fines totalling Sh16,301,904. In default, he will serve seven years’ imprisonment.
Kilingi Investment Company Limited, through its director Stephen Mutua Nguzi, was fined Sh15,901,904, with a default custodial sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
Samuel Buku Macharia was sentenced to cumulative fines totalling Sh18,581,820. In default, he will serve seven years’ imprisonment.
Leadership Edge Associates, through its director, Samuel Buku Macharia, was fined Sh18,181,820, with a default custodial sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo received cumulative fines amounting to Sh38,288,054, inclusive of mandatory penalties tied to benefits obtained from the offences. In default, she will serve 15 years and six months’ imprisonment.
Jahazi Investment Company Limited, through its director Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, was fined Sh15,205,900 and faces six years and six months’ imprisonment in default.
Zohali Services Limited, through its director Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, was fined a cumulative Sh24,461,290, with a default custodial sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment.
EACC welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong affirmation of Kenya’s commitment to accountability, integrity in public service and the fight against corruption and money laundering.
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