The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned 16 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Bungoma and six county staff over alleged fraud and theft of public funds linked to a controversial benchmarking trip to Uganda and a Christmas tree lighting event.
In summons issued to the Bungoma County Assembly Clerk, the MCAs and officials have been directed to appear before investigators at the commission’s Western Regional Office in Bungoma on various dates between February 26 and March 9, 2026.
The probe centres on claims that public funds were irregularly spent on what investigators describe as a fake benchmarking trip to Uganda and the subsequent lighting of a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office in 2019.
According to the EACC, the combined expenditure under scrutiny amounts to Sh6,569,000.
Investigators say the summons are part of ongoing efforts to establish whether due process was followed in the use of county funds and to determine individual responsibility for any financial irregularities. Those summoned are expected to record statements and provide documents related to the questioned expenditures.
MCAs summoned
The 16 MCAs required to appear before the anti-graft agency are:
- Joane Nafula Lutukai
- Joan Chemayiek Kirong
- Francis Chemion Masai
- Stephen Wafula Wamalwa
- James Barasa Mukhono
- Florence Fulano Wekesa
- Everlyne Mutiembu Naboelela
- Joseph Nyongesa Juma
- Jack Ouma Wambulwa
- Hillary Kiptalam
- Erick Kamingichi Wapanq’ana
- Henry Majimbo Okumu
- Violet Namaemba Makhanu
- Luke Opwora
- Tonny Khaoya Barasa
- Sospeter Erastus Nyonqesa
County staff also summoned
The commission has also summoned the following Bungoma County Assembly staff and officials:
- Francis Simiyu Tome
- Ignatius Wekesa Wanqila
- Benedict Wafula Kimwei
- Kennedy Taracha Barasa
- Carolyn Akirapa Wamalwa
- John Kennedy Ongwae
Senate, Auditor-General triggered probe
The investigations follow a request by the Senate Public Accounts Committee for the commission to step in after audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General.
During the grilling of Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka earlier this month, senators flagged the expenditure of Sh3,689,000 used to facilitate the Christmas tree lighting event in September 2019 — about three months before Christmas.
The Senate committee also raised concerns over the alleged Uganda benchmarking trip, saying preliminary information pointed to possible irregular procurement and payment procedures.
Investigators are now examining whether the funds were lawfully approved, properly supported by documentation and legitimately spent.
The EACC is also probing claims that the money was withdrawn from a county vote through a fictitious imprest, a practice that could amount to fraud and abuse of office if confirmed.
The commission says the findings of the probe will determine whether criminal charges or recovery proceedings will follow against any of the individuals involved.
