Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro Embroiled in Deepening Corruption Scandal Amid EACC and DCI Probes

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro faces escalating allegations of corruption, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intensifying scrutiny over procurement irregularities, whistleblower intimidation, and a high-profile clash with the judiciary.

The coastal county, a tourism hub generating approximately KSh 2 billion annually in own-source revenue, is reeling from accusations of systemic graft that threaten its financial stability and undermine devolution’s promise of local accountability.

EACC Probes and Frozen Tenders

In October 2023, the EACC ordered Kilifi County to suspend payments on a KSh 103.8 million contract awarded to Aden Construction Ltd for an “integrated revenue-collection management system,” citing procurement violations and potential embezzlement.

The directive, issued to Governor Mung’aro, halted disbursements pending a full investigation.

A January 2025 EACC brief identified Kilifi among 11 counties under investigation for suspected losses totaling KSh 6.3 billion, with Kilifi’s share—approximately KSh 104 million—linked to the revenue-system deal and other sole-sourced ICT contracts.

The DCI has also zeroed in on Kilifi’s procurement practices.

On February 12, 2025, the agency requested records for two garbage collection tenders: KCG/WEFNR/1246 119/2023/2024 for Mtwapa and CGK/MM/OT/027/2023/2024 for Malindi Town.

Both contracts were awarded to Kaereny Construction and Engineering Supplies Limited, registered under Final Kadzo Kithi, wife of businessman Francis Ngala, who is allegedly linked to senior county officials.

The DCI is investigating potential fraud under Section 317 of the Penal Code, requesting detailed tender documentation, payment vouchers, and statutory records.

The probe has heightened tensions, with Mung’aro accusing DCI officers of overstepping their mandate and meddling in county land matters during a September 2024 public address.

Whistleblower Threats and Leaked Documents

Between February and March 2025, a whistleblower who exposed irregularities in the ICT tender reported threats allegedly orchestrated by operatives close to Mung’aro.

Nairobi-based anti-graft bloggers released audio purportedly capturing Ngala warning the whistleblower to “keep quiet or face consequences.”

Civil society groups in Kilifi are now demanding witness-protection measures to safeguard those exposing corruption.

The whistleblower saga is tied to former County Secretary Martin Mwaro, sacked by Mung’aro on April 3, 2025, and replaced by Catherine Kenga, a close relative of the governor and daughter of the late engineer Masha, formerly of the Kenya Ports Authority.

Sources allege Mwaro’s dismissal stemmed from his leaking of sensitive tender documents, including those related to the Mtwapa garbage collection contract, to the DCI and EACC.

A senior county official revealed that Mung’aro had previously confronted Mwaro over his alleged ties to investigative agencies, particularly regarding tenders in the Health and Public Works departments.

Kenga, appointed Acting County Secretary, has reportedly been instructed to withhold county data from external agencies unless explicitly authorized by Mung’aro.

Defiance of Court Orders

Mwaro’s ouster has sparked a legal firestorm. On April 3, 2025, Lady Justice Monica Mbaru issued an injunction blocking Mwaro’s dismissal and ordering that the County Secretary position remain unfilled until a May 5 hearing.

Defying the court, Mung’aro instructed county officials to forcibly remove Mwaro from county premises.

Viral footage captured a chaotic scene in which Mwaro’s security team clashed with county officers, who ejected him and locked the gates behind him.

Mwaro’s aide was left outside making calls, while police present declined to intervene. Critics, including judicial oversight bodies, have called for contempt proceedings against Mung’aro, accusing him of undermining the judiciary.

Social media posts have amplified the controversy, with users urging the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Justice Martha Koome to act.

Political and Legal Fallout

Mung’aro has denied personal wrongdoing, claiming the ICT contract predates his tenure and pledging cooperation with investigators.

However, opposition MCAs argue that repeated EACC and DCI interventions, coupled with whistleblower allegations, point to systemic corruption.

The governor’s appointment of Kenga, a relative, has fueled perceptions of nepotism, while his public criticism of the DCI—accusing officers of colluding with land speculators—has deepened his rift with law enforcement.

If the EACC recommends charges, Mung’aro could face suspension under Section 62 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, a precedent set in other counties.

The DCI’s investigation into Kaereny Construction, linked to Ngala, adds further pressure.

Ngala, introduced to Kilifi County by Mung’aro’s former associate Ali Noor, reportedly fell out with the governor over a revenue-sharing dispute, complicating the political dynamics.

Why It Matters

Kilifi’s case reflects a broader national trend: county ICT and service contracts, marketed as transparency tools, are increasingly exploited for rent-seeking.

The county’s compromised revenue system jeopardizes its KSh 2 billion annual cash flow, eroding public trust in devolution.

Mwaro’s controversial past, including prior corruption probes involving him and his wife, the MCA for Kayafungo Ward, adds complexity to the narrative.

Next Steps

– The EACC is expected to table forensic audit findings by June 2025.
– The Senate Public Accounts Committee has summoned Mung’aro for a May hearing on the halted ICT tender.
– The DCI’s probe into the garbage collection tenders is ongoing, with potential charges pending.
– Civil society groups are advocating for witness protection and judicial enforcement of court orders.

Mung’aro’s political survival hinges on his ability to navigate these investigations and restore public confidence. As Kilifi awaits the outcome, the scandal underscores the urgent need for robust oversight to protect devolved funds and ensure accountability.