Cash seized as EACC raids Turkana County officials' homes in Ksh.600M fraud probe

At the centre of the investigation is Michael Eregae Ekidor, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Finance. According to the EACC, Ekidor, along with other county officials, is accused of trading with the county through various companies that received over Ksh.600 million in payments for the alleged procurement of goods and services during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years.

"The suspects are alleged to have abused their positions of trust and authority to embezzle public funds through collusion, procurement fraud, bribery and payment for fictitious contracts," said EACC.

During Thursday’s operation, investigators discovered Ksh.6.5 million in cash inside a vehicle belonging to CEC Ekidor, further raising suspicions about the source of his wealth.

Ekidor is being investigated alongside other officials, including Peter Lomurukai, the Chief Officer for Municipalities and Urban Management; Mark Achila Ekiru, the Chief Officer for Roads and Transport; Samson Nakito, the Director of Procurement; Lillian Alaper Ateyo, a Senior Accountant; and Annah Narot Longoli, the Cleaning Supervisor in Turkana County.

Also implicated in the scandal are John Tioko Ekal, believed to be a spouse to one of the officials; Abenyo Amathwel Etiir, a Security Warden with the County Government; Stephen Lowoton, the former Assistant Director of Accounting; and businessmen William Erex Aminit and Nangiro Edung Ichor.

The Commission previously secured court orders dated March 3, 2025, to freeze Ksh.180 million held in bank accounts belonging to Abenyo Amathwel Etiir and his associated companies, which are now under scrutiny.

The suspects have since recorded statements as investigations continue. The EACC is expected to take further action once the inquiry is complete.