The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday, October 29, raided the offices and residences of Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and several senior county officials over an alleged Ksh.382 million graft scandal.
The operation, conducted simultaneously in Nyamira, Kisii, and Nairobi Counties, targeted top county officers suspected of involvement in the irregular procurement and award of a contract for the construction of the Nyamira County Government headquarters.
According to EACC, the contract — awarded to Spentech Engineering Limited — was riddled with irregularities, including inflated payments, substandard work, and lack of value for money. Preliminary valuation reports indicated that the contractor received payments far exceeding the value of work completed, leading to massive loss of public funds.
The anti-graft body is also investigating allegations that Governor Nyaribo irregularly authorised payments to himself amounting to Ksh.18 million — including Ksh.5 million as ex gratia payment and Ksh.13 million as house allowance reimbursement. EACC sources say these payments were made without legal justification or approval from the County Assembly, raising questions about abuse of office and misuse of public resources.
EACC detectives spent the day seizing documents, computers, and digital evidence linked to the case. The Commission said the raids were meant to preserve crucial evidence before possible arrests and prosecutions.
“The search operations form part of efforts to recover key evidence and ensure accountability in the use of public funds,” an EACC statement read.
Other county officials listed as persons of interest include Lameck Machuki Nyariki, Director of Housing and Physical Planning; Peris Mose, Director of Roads (formerly Head of Procurement); Asberth Maobe, Chief Officer for Finance and Accounting Services; and Josphat Oruru, Chief Officer for Roads, Transport and Public Works. Investigators believe the officials played central roles in approving payments and supervising the disputed project.
As of Wednesday evening, Governor Nyaribo had not publicly responded to the allegations. However, insiders within the county government suggested that his legal team was preparing a statement dismissing the raids as politically motivated. EACC officials, on the other hand, maintained that the operation was purely evidence-driven and part of a wider crackdown on corruption in devolved units.
The Nyamira probe adds to a growing list of corruption investigations targeting county administrations accused of mismanaging public funds. Analysts say the renewed activity by the EACC could signal a broader effort to restore public confidence and deter theft of county resources ahead of the 2027 elections.
If found culpable, Governor Nyaribo and the implicated officials could face charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, and Public Finance Management Act, which prescribe stiff penalties including removal from office, fines, and jail terms.
The EACC has reiterated that recovery of stolen funds remains a top priority as it intensifies investigations into misuse of taxpayer money across counties.
