Nairobi, Kenya – Nine sitting governors have been linked to corruption investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), raising fresh concerns over accountability in county governments.
The list, submitted to Parliament in an earlier anti-graft push, was compiled following a directive by the President that all public officials facing active corruption investigations should step aside to allow for due process.
The governors named include Isaac Ruto (Bomet), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Peter Munya (Meru), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Nathif Jama (Garissa), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), Ukur Yattani (Mandera), and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay).
According to sources within the EACC, the allegations against the county bosses range from irregular procurement and mismanagement of public funds to abuse of office and conflict of interest. The cases are at various stages of investigation, with some files reportedly ready for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for possible charges.
EACC officials have maintained that the investigations are part of a wider crackdown on corruption in both national and county governments, stressing that no one will be spared if found culpable.
Public reaction has been swift, with civil society groups and governance watchdogs urging the governors to step aside in line with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. “Kenyans deserve leaders who are beyond reproach. Holding onto office while under active corruption investigations undermines public confidence,” said a statement from the Transparency Alliance Kenya.
Some of the governors have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they are victims of political witch-hunts aimed at derailing their development agendas. Others have maintained silence as the investigations proceed.
The anti-graft spotlight on the nine county chiefs comes amid rising public frustration over alleged mismanagement of devolved funds. The latest Auditor-General’s reports have flagged multiple counties for questionable spending, with billions of shillings unaccounted for.
As the investigations progress, all eyes will be on the EACC and the DPP to see whether the cases lead to prosecutions—and whether political pressure will influence the outcome.
