EACC pursuing cases worth over Ksh.1.6B involving 822 county officials

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating cases worth more than Ksh.1.6 billion involving 822 county officials accused of corruption-related cases.

A report released by EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud revealed that the said county officials are accused of irregular recruitments, manipulation of payrolls, irregular allowances, and embezzlement of mortgage and car loan funds.

Mohamud said the Commission has intensified its fight against corruption, with 89 high-profile cases completed in the last eight months. Out of these, 82 have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) with recommendations for prosecution.

“Notably, four of these cases involve current and former county governors, two former Cabinet Secretaries, a Principal Secretary, and CEOs and MDs of various state corporations,” said Mohamud.

The Commission is also pursuing active investigations targeting five sitting governors and 11 former governors over allegations of embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, money laundering, and unexplained wealth.

According to Mohamud, the Commission has recovered 12 properties valued at about Ksh.600 million and over Ksh.105 million in cash since the start of the year.

He further noted that proactive investigations have disrupted a possible loss of Ksh.7.2 billion in public funds.

“While the Commission acknowledges the frustration by Kenyans, I wish to assure the country that the Commission will upscale both its preventive and enforcement mandates geared towards effectively combating corruption,” he said.

EACC further noted that corruption remains the second most critical challenge facing Kenyans after unemployment, according to the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey.

The agency cited bribery at service delivery points, procurement irregularities in capital-intensive projects, and unethical practices in public service as key areas of concern.

Mohamud reaffirmed the Commission’s impartiality and professionalism, urging stronger collaboration among justice sector actors to enhance accountability.

He also welcomed recent legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, and the Whistleblower Protection Bill, terming them vital in strengthening the anti-graft war.