EACC summons 16 Bungoma MCAs over Ksh.6.5M Uganda trip, Christmas tree lighting event

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned 16 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Bungoma as well as six staff amid investigations into alleged fraud and theft of public funds tied to a controversial benchmarking trip.

According to the summons issued to the County Assembly Clerk, the MCAs and officials are required to appear before investigators at the commission’s Western Regional Office in Bungoma on varied dates between February 26 and March 9, 2026.

The probe centres on claims that public money was irregularly spent on what has been described as a fake benchmarking trip to Uganda and the subsequent lighting of a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office in 2019.

Investigators are examining expenditure related to both the trip and the Christmas tree event, whose combined cost to taxpayers is reported to be Ksh.6,569,000.

The summons form part of ongoing efforts by the anti-graft agency to establish whether due process was followed in the use of county funds and to determine individual responsibility for any irregularities.

Those called in are expected to record statements and assist detectives with documentation related to the expenditures under scrutiny.

The summoned MCAs are Joane Nafula Lutukai, Everlyne Mutiembu Naboelela, Joan Chemayiek Kirong, Francis Chemion Masai, Stephen Wafula Wamalwa, James Barasa Mukhono, Florence Fulano Wekesa, and Joseph Nyongesa Juma.

Others are: Jack Ouma Wambulwa, Hillary Kiptalam, Erick Kamingichi Wapanq’ana, Henry Majimbo Okumu, Violet Namaemba Makhanu, Luke Opwora, Tonny Khaoya Barasa, Sospeter Erastus Nyonqesa,

Francis Simiyu Tome (Principal Clerk Assistant), Ignatius Wekesa Wanqila (Principal Legal Counsel), Benedict Wafula Kimwei (Commissionaire), Kennedy Taracha Barasa (Driver), Carolyn Akirapa Wamalwa (Hansard Officer), and John Kennedy Ongwae (Former Clerk) are also required to record their statements with the anti-graft body.

The probe came after the Senate Public Accounts Committee invited the commission to investigate alleged misuse of public funds by the Bungoma County government following queries raised by the Auditor General.

During the grilling of Governor Kenneth Lusaka early this month, Senators flagged the expenditure of Ksh.3,689,000 used to facilitate the Christmas tree lighting event in September 2019, three months before Christmas.

The funds were allegedly withdrawn from a county vote through a fictitious imprest.