EACC seeks prosecution of high-profile officials in Ks.2B graft cases

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is recommending the prosecution of several high-profile individuals, including current and former public officials, over corruption and conflict of interest.

In its third quarterly report for 2024, covering the period between July 1st and September 30th, the anti-graft agency details investigations into counties and state officials, uncovering money trails and proxy companies used to siphon public funds.

The files have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for action.

Former Wajir County Governor Mohamed Abdi Mohamud, his wife Kheira Omar Maalim, and daughter Farhiya Abdi Mohamud are among those wanted for prosecution.

The EACC accuses the three of abuse of office and conflict of interest involving Ksh 902.4 million, linked to 12 companies associated with the family during the 2017/18 financial year.

The commission has also recommended the prosecution of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss over irregular procurement of fully furnished residential property for the Chief Justice during her tenure as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.

Boss is wanted alongside the former director of supply chain management, the former director of finance, and three members of the Judiciary Tender Committee.

Additionally, the EACC has cited alleged irregular payments in the construction of prefabricated courts under the Judicial Service Commission.

The report also implicates former Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Alex Tolgos, his political advisor, the county procurement manager, and the Chief Officer for Health for procurement irregularities and conflict of interest.

According to the EACC, Kobcom Petroleum Limited, a company linked to Tolgos, was irregularly awarded tenders to supply petroleum products to the county despite not qualifying.

The company supplied petroleum products for three financial years, receiving Ksh 1.7 million in payments.

Several officials from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) have also been targeted.

 Joel Mutambu Kilonzi, a regional accountant currently stationed in Lamu County and formerly in Turkana County, is accused of conflict of interest amounting to Ksh 108.5 million, alongside his wife, Felistus Ndunge. Anthony Akolo Mukembo, a senior accountant with the agency at its Nairobi headquarters, and his wife, Carolyne Nanjala Walubengo, are also on the EACC's radar for similar allegations.

Esther Wanjiru Chege, an accountant with KERRA in Kajiado, and her husband, Robert Kimotho Macharia, are wanted for conflict of interest involving Ksh 18 million, bringing the total amount flagged in their case to Ksh 273.2 million.

In total, the monetary value of the cases recommended for prosecution equals Ksh 2.048 billion.