Former Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Director General, Eng. Philemon Kandie, was arrested in a dramatic night raid on Friday, October 3, by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Kandie was taken to EACC headquarters at Integrity House for questioning. According to preliminary reports, electronic devices and key documents were seized from his residence during the raid.
Allegations of Graft and Mismanagement
While the exact charges remain unclear, initial investigations suggest that Kandie’s arrest is tied to allegations of graft and financial mismanagement during his tenure as KeRRA boss. Sources indicated that the probe is focusing on procurement irregularities and possible diversion of public funds.
Kandie resigned from his position on July 11, 2025, two years before his term was set to end. His resignation letter, which cited a three-month notice, stated he would proceed on his 45 days of annual leave before officially leaving office on October 10, 2025.
Links to June Protests
Kandie’s resignation came amid speculation over his alleged role in the June 25 nationwide protests. On July 2, a petition was filed at the High Court seeking his removal, accusing him of channeling state funds through shell companies and contractors linked to KeRRA to support the protests.
The petition further claimed that intelligence and investigative reports tied procurement accounts and logistical operations of the protest groups to entities connected to Kandie.
New Leadership at KeRRA
Following his resignation, Jackson Magondu, who was the Director in charge of Planning, Design, and Environment, was appointed to serve as acting Director General.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on Kandie, whose abrupt exit and subsequent arrest raise further questions about corruption and accountability in Kenya’s public institutions.
