Questionable Payments Lifts Lid on Sakaja’s ‘Sacred Girl’ Asha Abdi Led Complex Web of Corruption at City Hall

In the heart of Nairobi’s administrative center, a sophisticated corruption network has allegedly been operating with impunity, siphoning hundreds of millions of shillings from public coffers through phantom projects and suspicious payments. A powerful trio of officials, known as ‘The Untouchables’ of City Hall, are at the heart of this elaborate scheme.

Leading this alleged cartel is Asha Abdi, the Chief Finance Officer often referred to as Governor Johnson Sakaja’s “wonder girl” or “sacred girl.” Alongside her is Charles Kerich, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, described by insiders as “innocent looking but ferociously cunning.”

Completing this powerful triangle is Eston Kimathi, the Ward Development Fund Acting Chief Executive Officer, who reportedly serves in the position illegally.

Multiple sources reveal how these three officials have allegedly created an intricate system that diverts county funds to companies linked to their associates and family members, particularly through garbage collection, disaster management, and road construction projects.

The money trail

One company at the center of the allegations is Emari Ventures, which reportedly received Ksh 72 million in just three months for questionable projects.

Documents show that in March 2024, the company was paid Ksh 19 million for the supposed rehabilitation of a Social Hall in Lower Savannah Ward in Embakasi East—a project whose completion and value remain in question.

Our investigation has uncovered that since October 2024, Emari Ventures alone has been paid over Ksh 230 million by the county government.

Other companies implicated in the scheme include, Zonari Investment, which reportedly received Ksh 21,823,600 under Invoice number 577 and LPO Number 516 and Centreline Logistics, which allegedly pocketed Ksh 88,579,806 under Invoice No:CL/5/2023 and LPO No: 517, reportedly for work that was never completed.

What makes this alleged corruption network particularly concerning is how it has systematically silenced or removed officials who dare to question its operations.

Daniel Nguru, a senior accountant, was reportedly demoted to social services after falling out with Budget Committee chairperson Wilfred Odalo.

Similarly, Martha Wambugu, a long-serving finance officer (who reportedly has her own history of questionable dealings), was demoted and transferred to Risk Management.

Meanwhile, Caroline Wang’ang’a has been installed as head of treasury and is reportedly “under full control” of Asha Abdi, creating a system with few checks and balances.

MCAs implicated

The tentacles of this alleged network extend beyond City Hall’s executive offices into the county assembly. Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedgadar Mohamed Dabar has been specifically named as collaborating with Asha Abdi and Eston Kimathi to divert Ward Development Funds for personal gain.

Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedgadar Mohamed Dabar

Other officials allegedly involved include Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi, accountant Vincent Muhanji, Stephen Mafura, and Denis Muia—described as a close ally to Asha Abdi who handles Work Plans.

A particularly troubling pattern has emerged as each financial year comes to a close.

According to sources familiar with the operations, the county government has “developed the habit of making millions and sometimes billions of fake payments” during this period—clearing county coffers under the guise of settling “development budget pending bills” before the start of a new financial year.

Questions from the past

This is not the first time Asha Abdi and Charles Kerich have faced scrutiny.

Nairobi County Finance CEC Charles Kerich and his Chief Officer Aisha Abdi at the Nairobi County Assembly.

In August 2023, both officials reportedly fled to Istanbul, Turkey, when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) began investigating fraudulent payments for non-existent goods and services that allegedly cost the county hundreds of millions.

At that time, the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o had declined to approve a Ksh 1.5 billion expenditure requisition from the Nairobi County Government that lacked proper supporting documentation.

Despite mounting allegations and evidence of corruption within his administration, Governor Johnson Sakaja has remained notably silent on these issues.

When questioned about financial improprieties, the administration has pointed to a purported 32 percent increase in revenue collection, reaching over nine billion shillings by March 2024.

However, this financial performance has done little to improve service delivery for Nairobi residents, who continue to face uncollected garbage, deteriorating roads, and collapsing basic services.

While the alleged corruption continues, ordinary Nairobi residents bear the brunt of the consequences. Public funds meant for essential services and infrastructure development are reportedly diverted to private pockets, leaving the city’s infrastructure crumbling and services failing.

As one unnamed source close to the investigations put it: “City Hall was supposed to serve Nairobians, not enrich a few well-connected individuals.”

As pressure mounts and investigations continue, the question remains: Will Nairobi’s “Untouchables” finally face accountability, or will this elaborate web of corruption continue to drain the county’s resources at the expense of its residents?