EACC grills Masinde Muliro University VC over controversial appointment of procurement director

In a letter seen by Citizen Digital, investigations were launched following allegations that the head of procurement, Dr Ezekiel Chirchir Kipkoech, was irregularly and illegally recruited into the position despite his previous conviction history.

The EACC said the University Council, chaired by Dr Pamela Sitienei, is under investigation over the appointment to the sensitive procurement office.

Prof. Shibairo appeared before investigators at the EACC Western Regional Offices in Bungoma on Friday after being summoned to record a statement and provide documents linked to the probe.

In a letter dated May 11, 2026, the Commission accused the Vice Chancellor of failing to comply with an earlier directive requiring him to submit documents relevant to the investigations.

The Commission further stated that it had reason to believe Prof. Shibairo was in possession of crucial documents related to the recruitment process.

“Despite the expiry of the compliance period, you have failed to provide the documents and information required by the Commission, contrary to the law,” read part of the letter signed by Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi.

“The Commission has reason to believe that you, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Vice Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, are in possession of the said documents, and that you have failed or neglected to comply with the requirement to avail the same to the Commission.”

The EACC warned the VC that failure to comply with the summons would attract criminal sanctions under Section 27(4) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

“A person who neglects or fails to comply with a requirement under this section is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both,” Ngumbi wrote.

In an earlier letter dated April 28, 2026, the Commission had requested the university to provide documents related to the recruitment of Dr Kipkoech.

Among the documents sought were the officer’s personal file, including the letter of appointment and copies of academic and professional certificates, the advertisement for the position, longlisting and shortlisting records, interview score sheets, and interview reports.

EACC at the time said it was investigating allegations of abuse of office and unethical conduct relating to the employment of Dr Kipkoech as the Head of Procurement at the University.

The required documents were to be submitted to the EACC Western Regional Offices in Bungoma by May 6, 2026, but were not submitted.