EACC arrests seven Nakuru County officials over Ksh.120M fraud

The investigations stem from allegations that Lorna Karamuta Mubichi, an Economist II at the county, used companies owned by her husband to do business with the county government while still serving there.

The three companies, Denken Building and Construction Limited, Murinchamba Investments Limited and Windcom Solutions Limited, were awarded 29 contracts between the 2020/2021 and 2024/2025 financial years and received cumulative payments of Ksh 120,042,417.

According to the commission, investigations established that the companies were owned and controlled by Mubichi's husband, Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi, either solely or jointly with his brother, Brian Mwenda Ndubi.

The firms are said to have used false documents to unlawfully secure the tenders, with part of the proceeds transferred to joint bank accounts held by Mubichi and her husband.

Investigators also traced payments from the contract proceeds to several senior county officials.

The commission found that Mubichi's private financial interests in her husband's companies were in direct conflict with her official duties, contrary to the principles of integrity and accountability expected of public officers.

After the investigations concluded, the inquiry file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the prosecution of nine suspects on various charges, including conflict of interest, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime, engaging in corrupt procurement practices and wilful failure to comply with procurement laws.

Those arrested are Mubichi; Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi, director of the three companies; Daniel Ndung'u Wainaina, Chief Officer for Medical Services; Kennedy Mungai Barasa, Chief Officer for Roads and Infrastructure; Timothy Kiogora Murithi, Chief Officer for Water; Peter Gitau Thabanja, Nakuru City Manager; and Solomon Sirma, County Executive Committee Member for Finance in Baringo County and former Chief Officer for Health in Nakuru.

They are expected to be arraigned at the Nakuru Law Courts on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The EACC has also directed two individuals believed to have gone into hiding to report immediately to its South Rift Regional Office in Nakuru or the nearest EACC office. They are Brian Mwenda Ndubi, director of Windcom Solutions Limited, and Josphat Kimemia, Chief Officer for Youth Affairs and Sports.

The commission said it remains committed to safeguarding public resources and holding those involved in corruption to account.

It called on all State organs and public entities to strengthen compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, by putting in place effective measures for the declaration, management and prevention of conflicts of interest among public officers.