The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has placed nine governors under investigation over alleged corruption, as the agency ramps up its nationwide war on graft.
EACC chairperson Dr. David Oginde revealed on Tuesday that counties are currently the epicentre of corruption probes, with governors taking a leading role in the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
“We are pursuing quite a number of governors at the moment nine are under scrutiny at different levels of the cases. It’s not just governors, it goes down to other county staff,” Dr. Oginde told Citizen TV. “Counties are what are keeping us busy right now.”
He noted that some of the most affected counties are from marginalized regions, which have been receiving special government allocations to boost development. Instead of using the funds for public service delivery, some leaders reportedly divert the money to Nairobi for personal investments.
“I have been surprised that some of the worst-hit counties are those considered marginalized. They have been given privileges to try and bring the county up, but the leaders in those counties are siphoning that money and bringing it back to Nairobi to buy apartments and start businesses,” Dr. Oginde said.
EACC investigations indicate that certain county officials have established elaborate systems to channel stolen funds. In some cases, junior officers act as conduits, transferring money to accounts controlled by senior leaders. Tendering processes are also being manipulated, with politically connected companies winning inflated contracts.
Despite the evidence gathered, Dr. Oginde said prosecuting high-ranking officials remains a challenge due to political interference. Some suspects reportedly enjoy protection from political allies, making it difficult for law enforcement to proceed with cases.
“We have had situations where we arrest senior people and even the day they are coming to record statements, our offices are raided by their supporters,” he disclosed.
The revelations come amid growing public concern over county-level corruption, which has been blamed for stalling development and denying citizens essential services. The EACC has vowed to push forward with the investigations, urging Kenyans to support the fight against graft by exposing corrupt practices in their regions.
