EACC seizes Ksh.13.6M in raid at Governor Wamatangi's home

According to an EACC statement issued on Tuesday, the early morning raids, which were conducted in multiple locations, resulted in the seizure of Ksh.12 million and USD 13,000 in cash from the governor's residence, funds suspected to be the proceeds of corruption.

The crackdown follows a lengthy investigation into alleged financial malpractice in the county government. 

High-ranking officials under investigation include County Secretary Peter Njoroge Ndegwa, Finance CEC Nancy Njeri Kirumba, Lands CEC Salome Muthoni Wainaina, and Chief Officer of Finance William Kinyanjui Kimani. 

Also implicated are supply chain director Phyllis Wanjiru Muiruri, revenue director Henry Mburu Waweru, and Bernard Kabalku Theuri, the director of Filtronic International Limited, a firm linked to the alleged fraud.

According to the EACC, authorities are investigating two key transactions: a Ksh. 230 million contract awarded to Filtronic International for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and a series of suspicious payments allegedly made for non-existent services. 

Preliminary findings indicate that procurement rules were violated in both cases, with county officials allegedly conspiring with private entities to divert taxpayer funds.

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud confirmed that investigators had gathered significant evidence, including financial records and digital data, which could be critical in prosecuting the case. 

"The discovery of large sums of unexplained cash in the possession of public officials is deeply concerning," Mohamud said, adding that the commission would pursue asset recovery and criminal charges where necessary.