EACC arrests Kakamega head of cleaning services in KES 615 million scandal

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested John Koveti Lumula, the head of cleaning services at Kakamega County government for allegedly acquiring wealth worth Ksh615 million through corrupt deals.

Lumula is among various public officials whose homes and offices were raided by EACC officials this week.

In a statement on Sunday September 29, 2024, the Commission explained that it has intensified a crackdown on unexplained wealth acquired through theft of public funds. 

Confirming the assets forfeiture probe targeting the Kakamega official, the Commission, through its Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, said that Lumula’s arrest and search operation were part of an ongoing investigation into suspected proceeds of corruption. 

The official was escorted to EACC Bungoma Regional Offices where he recorded a statement.

“The Commission took up the matter upon receipt of complaints that Lumula had accumulated unexplained wealth worth millions of shillings through kickbacks that the Commission reasonably believes he received from suppliers and contractors when he served in the Procurement Department before he was moved to his current Department,” read part of the EACC statement.

Lumula’s suspected illicit multi-million wealth includes a top private school called West Bridge Elite School, Eregi worth Ksh200 million run by his spouse Roseline Khadambi Khovoshi, hotels, landed properties, commercial buildings and high end vehicles.

He is also the owner of Lexas Restaurant, Yolo Launch & Grill (restaurant), Caravan palace Hotel, and two residential buildings in Shijiko in South Ikolomani.

Preliminary investigations by the commission indicate that Lumula owns six high end motor vehicles and numerous prime parcels of land in different parts of the country.