EACC warns county officers against last-minute looting as financial year nears end

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has put county governments on notice over a possible surge in irregular payments and fictitious pending bills as the 2024/2025 financial year draws to a close.

Speaking during the official opening of a three-day integrity and anti-corruption workshop for Bungoma County leaders in Kisumu, EACC Regional Manager for Western Eric Ngumbi, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of CEO Abdi A. Mohamud, expressed concern that unscrupulous public officials may exploit the final days of the financial year to initiate fraudulent schemes.

“As we approach the closure of the current financial year on June 30, 2025, the commission is aware that, at such a time, corrupt public officials may hatch fraudulent schemes to loot public funds through fictitious payments or diversion of funds meant to pay legitimate suppliers,” stated Mohamud.

“Any person found to have made or facilitated irregular or unlawful payments will be held personally liable."

“Let it be clear to all county officials that when EACC requests documents or information required for investigation, it is mandatory that the documents are promptly made available to the commission. Failure to do so amounts to obstructing the commission in the discharge of its mandate, which is a criminal offence under the law," he added.

The anti-graft agency reiterated that the fight against corruption is a national responsibility, not one left to EACC alone.

“Corruption thrives where leaders who have sworn to serve the people betray public trust and become complicit in acts of theft of public funds. Every shilling stolen is a child denied education, a mother denied healthcare, and a community denied development,” Ngumbi emphasised.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who officially opened the workshop, echoed the commission’s call for ethical governance as he expressed commitment to ensure zero-tolerance to corruption under his leadership, however, noting that it was a shared journey.

He similarly commended the commission for its support and called on county executives to embody the principles outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

“Let me be clear: there is no place for corruption, favouritism, or negligence in this administration. We must be bold in making difficult decisions that promote ethical governance,” said Lusaka.

“The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of investigative agencies alone; it begins with our own conduct, our decisions, and our leadership. This program brings together the senior-most staff in the County Government… Your individual and collective commitment to integrity will shape the future of Bungoma County for generations to come.”

The anti-graft agency has outlined its five-point strategic focus, which includes intensified asset tracing, budget analysis, integrity testing at service points, and collaboration with oversight agencies—all aimed at deterring corruption and restoring public trust.

The workshop, which runs for three days, brings together top county officials, including CECs, Chief Officers, and members of the County Public Service Board, with the aim of strengthening internal controls and entrenching a culture of transparency and accountability in service delivery.