Sakaja, Ayako And Lenku Among Governors Under EACC Probe For Loss Of Over Sh6.3B

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Migori’s Ochilo Ayako and Kajiado’s Ole Lenku are among 11 governors under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for financial malpractices that have led to a loss of Sh6.3 billion.

The findings were revealed in the EACC’s annual status report for the 2023/2024 financial year, launched on Tuesday.

The report highlights a range of offences, including procurement irregularities, the use of proxies, and conflicts of interest.

Nairobi City County, led by Sakaja, is under scrutiny for allegedly paying Sh93 million to 13 companies that did not deliver goods or services to the county.

In Migori County, Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s administration is facing a probe over the alleged misappropriation of Sh140 million for the drilling and equipping of solar-powered boreholes.

Kajiado County under Lenku, is the most affected, with the commission probing a loss of Sh2.2 billion between 2013/2014 and 2022/2023. The investigation focuses on senior county officials who allegedly failed to declare conflicts of interest when awarding tenders to companies associated with them.

In West Pokot County, under Governor Simon Kachapin, the EACC is investigating Sh1 billion in losses related to tenders awarded to proxy companies between 2013 and January 2024, with allegations of conflicts of interest against four county officials.

In Wajir, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and his associates are under investigation for the misappropriation of Sh150 million allocated for food rations to local communities in 2022/2023.

In Marsabit, Governor Mohamud Ali is facing a probe over allegations of conflict of interest in the award of tenders worth Sh99 million to companies between 2017/2018 and 2023/2024.

Meanwhile in Vihiga County, under Governor Wilber Ottichilo, is facing an investigation into the embezzlement of Sh200 million in public funds, along with allegations of conflict of interest involving a Member of the County Assembly and their spouse, both of whom are employed by the county government.

Nyeri County, under Governor Mutahi Kahiga, is also being investigated for awarding tenders to proxy companies between 2014 and 2023.

Speaking during the launch of the report in Nairobi, EACC Chairperson David Oginde said there is a need to address the management of conflicts of interest in the public sector.

“In this regard, we call upon Parliament to support the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2025 published by the Hon. Attorney General to address gaps and weaknesses in existing laws,” he said.

He said that the enactment of the conflict of interest legislation is necessary.

“The Commission looks forward to the enactment of the said law,” he said.

Oginde also urged Parliament to strengthen existing legal frameworks to address challenges that impede effective anti-corruption interventions.