The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed that nine county governors are currently under investigation as part of its ongoing crackdown on corruption across Kenya.
EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde stated on Tuesday that the commission is focusing heavily on counties, where corruption is rampant and led by governors accused of misappropriating public funds.
“We are pursuing quite a number of governors nine are under scrutiny at various stages of investigation. It’s not just governors; other county officials are also involved,” Dr. Oginde told Citizen TV.
He emphasized that counties are a major focus for the commission’s anti-graft efforts, noting that some of the worst-affected counties are those from marginalized regions.
“I have been surprised that some of the worst-hit counties are those considered marginalized. Despite the privileges given to these counties to foster development, some leaders are embezzling funds and diverting them to Nairobi, where they buy apartments and start businesses,” he said.
Investigations have uncovered a network within counties where senior officials use junior officers as intermediaries to funnel stolen money into personal accounts.
Corrupt practices often involve inflated tenders, with individuals creating companies to exploit county contracts.
Dr. Oginde also highlighted the challenge posed by political interference, which complicates efforts to hold corrupt officials accountable.
“We have experienced cases where, after arresting senior officials, our offices are raided by their supporters on the very day they are to record statements,” he said, adding that the politicization of corruption has long hindered Kenya’s fight against graft.
