By Andrew Kariuki
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a major crackdown in Embu County following allegations of a Ksh 95 million procurement scandal involving county officials and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
In a coordinated operation, anti-corruption detectives raided the Embu County Government headquarters and at least eight residential properties linked to three MCAs and several procurement officers. The early-morning operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into suspected conflict of interest and abuse of office.
According to EACC Central Regional Manager Japheth Baithalu, preliminary findings indicate that the three MCAs allegedly held beneficial interests in at least eleven companies that were awarded tenders by the county government.
Investigators believe the firms may have been used as conduits to secure lucrative contracts, raising serious concerns over violations of public procurement laws. The suspected scheme points to possible manipulation of the tendering process, with officials allegedly influencing contract awards for personal gain.
Further inquiries suggest that approximately Ksh 95 million may have been irregularly paid out through these contracts, benefiting the implicated individuals and associated entities.
During the raids, EACC officers spent several hours combing through county offices, collecting key documents including procurement records, payment schedules, and contract files tied to the companies under investigation. The operation caused noticeable tension within the county offices, though authorities confirmed that officials largely cooperated with investigators.
Baithalu stated that the commission is now focused on establishing the extent of the MCAs’ involvement, particularly whether they failed to declare conflicts of interest as required under Kenyan law.
The EACC has affirmed that investigations are ongoing and has signaled that appropriate legal action will be taken against any individuals found culpable.
