The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a major investigation into senior officials of the Bomet County Government, who are accused of embezzling KES 1.2 billion through fraudulent payments and procurement fraud. The operation, conducted on Thursday, involved raids on the residences and offices of eight suspects, including County Executive Committee members and Chief Officers, marking a significant escalation in the probe.
According to an EACC statement, the investigation centers on allegations of conflict of interest and abuse of office by county officials, who allegedly funneled public funds into companies they owned or controlled through proxies. The scheme involved KES 1.2 billion in fraudulent payments and a further KES 373 million in irregular procurement of heavy road construction equipment during the 2022/2023 financial year.
“The suspects are accused of embezzling public funds through collusion, procurement fraud, and payments for non-existent or substandard services,” said Eric Ngumbi, spokesperson for the EACC. He added that the suspects had used their positions of power to divert county resources for personal gain, contributing to massive financial losses for Bomet County.
The EACC’s operation was carried out following court orders, and investigators have reportedly gathered crucial evidence that could lead to formal charges against the suspects. The officials involved are alleged to have manipulated the county’s procurement processes to award tenders to companies owned by their family members or associates. These fraudulent payments were made under the guise of legitimate contracts, but the goods or services were either not delivered or were of inferior quality.
Among the most serious allegations is the procurement of 12 heavy road construction machines and trucks worth KES 373 million. These machines, purchased during the last financial year, are reportedly unaccounted for. The EACC is investigating whether these purchases were genuine or part of a broader scheme to siphon public funds from the county government. The commission is also scrutinizing the unexplained wealth accumulated by the suspects, which is believed to be linked to proceeds of corruption.
The suspects, who were briefly detained during the raid, have been released after recording their statements with EACC investigators. However, the commission has indicated that further legal action could follow once the inquiry is complete. “Upon completion of the inquiry, the outcome will inform appropriate action, including prosecution of any culpable persons and/or recovery of unexplained wealth or proceeds of corruption,” Ngumbi said.
