The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a major operation targeting Nyamira County Governor, Amos Nyaribo, and several senior county officials over alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal worth Ksh382 million.
According to sources, EACC detectives conducted simultaneous raids on Wednesday morning at the governor’s homes and offices, as well as those of key officials believed to be linked to the irregular tender. The coordinated operation took place across Nyamira, Kisii, and Nairobi counties.
Newshub.co.ke understands that the primary goal of the searches was to seize critical documents, computers, and other digital materials that could help investigators uncover the full extent of the alleged procurement fraud and misuse of public funds.
Focus of the Investigation
The raid is part of an ongoing probe into the suspected irregular awarding of a multimillion-shilling tender meant for the construction of a county government office block in Nyamira.
The contract, valued at Ksh328 million, was allegedly granted to a construction company accused of receiving exaggerated payments far beyond the actual value of the work completed.
Sources within the investigation revealed that several senior officials from key county departments—including Housing and Physical Planning, Finance, Accounting Services, Roads, and Public Works—are being treated as persons of interest.
The EACC believes some of these officials may have played a direct role in facilitating fraudulent payments and approving irregular transactions.
Reports also indicate that valuation experts have flagged the project for lack of value for money, raising concerns over possible loss of public funds through inflated billing and questionable procurement processes.
Allegations Against the Governor
Governor Amos Nyaribo is also accused of authorizing suspicious payments to himself amounting to Ksh18 million. Out of this amount, Ksh5 million was allegedly processed as a “voluntary payment,” while Ksh13 million was reportedly paid as a house allowance reimbursement.
Investigators are now seeking to establish whether these payments were legal or part of a broader scheme to divert public funds.
Widening EACC Crackdown on Governors
This latest operation adds to a growing list of county bosses under the EACC’s radar over corruption allegations. In August, EACC Chairperson David Oginde revealed that at least nine sitting governors are currently being investigated for graft, describing corruption in devolved units as “deeply worrying.”
Earlier this year, in April, EACC detectives raided the home and office of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. During that operation, nine other senior county officials were also targeted over allegations of embezzlement of public funds and conflict of interest.
A month later, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya found himself in a similar situation after EACC officers raided his residence and those of four other county officials.
The operation led to his brief apprehension and was linked to a probe into alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments estimated at Ksh1.4 billion.
According to the EACC, these cases highlight a disturbing trend of misuse of public funds in county governments. The commission says it remains determined to recover stolen resources and bring those responsible to justice, regardless of their position or political influence.
As investigations into Governor Nyaribo’s case continue, the public eagerly awaits to see whether the findings will lead to prosecutions or deeper revelations about corruption in Nyamira County’s leadership.
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