Shock as EACC Targets 822 County Officials in KSh 1.6 Billion Graft Probe
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has rolled out extensive investigations targeting county governments, seeking to recover at least KSh 1.6 billion allegedly lost through graft. The probe zeroes in on 822 officials accused of irregular hiring, payroll fraud, and illegal allowances.
EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud revealed that the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey ranked graft as the second most serious national problem after unemployment, underscoring the need for stronger action. He said the Commission has tightened scrutiny on bribery at service delivery points, stepped up oversight on major projects, and intensified recovery of stolen assets.
High-profile investigations completed
Mohamud disclosed that in the last eight months, the Commission had concluded 89 major cases, with 82 submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for action. The suspects include four sitting or former governors, two ex-Cabinet Secretaries, a Principal Secretary, as well as chief executives and directors of state agencies.
Further, investigations are underway against five current governors and eleven former ones over accusations of embezzlement, conflict of interest, money laundering, and unexplained wealth.
Within counties, the ongoing probe into 822 officials involves irregular hiring, manipulated payrolls, dubious allowances, and misuse of car loan and mortgage funds. Since January, the Commission has recovered 12 properties valued at about KSh 600 million and KSh 105 million in cash. Proactive investigations have also averted possible losses amounting to KSh 7.2 billion.
Public concern over rising graft
Despite these gains, Mohamud admitted that public frustration is mounting, with citizens perceiving corruption as worsening, particularly among the youth. He assured Kenyans that the Commission is strengthening both preventive and enforcement efforts to curb the vice.
He stressed EACC’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and adherence to the law, urging justice sector players to collaborate in enhancing accountability in governance.
The EACC boss lauded recent legislative measures such as the Conflict of Interest Act 2025, the Anti-Corruption Laws (Amendment Bill), and the Whistleblower Protection Bill. He also acknowledged Kenyans and the media for pushing for integrity in public and private institutions.
“I reaffirm the Commission’s readiness to partner with all stakeholders to rid the country of corruption,” Mohamud said.
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Shock as EACC Targets 822 County Officials in KSh 1.6 Billion Graft Probe