EACC Recovers Sh6.5M from Turkana’s Finance Chief’s Car in Ongoing Sh600M Corruption Probe

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its crackdown on graft in Turkana County, recovering KES 6.5 million in cash from a motor vehicle belonging to Michael Erege Ekidor, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance.

It is alleged that Ekidor amassed substantial wealth, assets, and income during his tenure.

The seizure, made during raids on Thursday, April 10, 2025, is part of a broader investigation into the alleged embezzlement of over KES 600 million in public funds by senior officials of the Turkana County Government between the financial years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.

The EACC conducted searches at the residences and offices of ten suspects, including County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and other senior officials, following allegations of collusion, procurement fraud, bribery, and payments for fictitious contracts.

The commission suspects the KES 6.5 million found in Ekidor’s vehicle to be proceeds of corruption.

In addition to Ekidor, the EACC has named several other persons of interest in the investigation:

1. Peter Lomurukai – Chief Officer, Municipalities and Urban Management

2. Mark Achila Ekiru – Chief Officer, Roads and Transport

3. Samson Nakito – Director, Procurement

4. Lillian Alaper Ateyo – Senior Accountant

5. Annah Narot Longoli – Cleaning Supervisor, Turkana County, and John Tioko Ekal (Spouse)

6. Abenyo Amathwel Etir – Security Warden, Turkana County Government

7. Stephen Lowoton – Former Assistant Director Accounting

8. William Erex Aminit – Businessman

9. Nangiro Eduing Ichor – Businessman

The investigation has also uncovered substantial financial irregularities linked to some of the suspects.

On March 3, 2025, the EACC obtained court orders to freeze KES 180 million in bank accounts belonging to Abenyo Amathwel Etir, a Security Warden at the County Government, and his associated companies.

The commission alleges that these funds are tied to fraudulent activities involving abuse of office and conflict of interest, with officials reportedly trading with the county through various companies.

According to the EACC, the suspects abused their positions of trust and authority to siphon public funds, resulting in significant losses for Turkana County.

The commission stated, “The operation is part of an ongoing investigation in the County Government of Turkana in relation to allegations of embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, and abuse of office.”

The suspects are being held in Lodwar to record statements as the investigation continues.

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to combating corruption. “Upon completion of the inquiry, the outcome will inform appropriate action, which may include prosecution of any culpable persons, recovery of unexplained wealth, and proceeds of corruption,” Mohamud said.