EACC summons eight senior Nakuru county officials over misuse of public funds
Eight top current and former Nakuru county officials will today start to appear before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for grilling and statement recording over alleged irregular payment of Sh22m to uncontracted law firms.
Among the summoned officials, County Attorney Caleb Nyamwange and Public Service Chief Officer Charles Koech will be the first to be grilled today.
Also, on the list are Gladys Kamuren, Chief Officer Gender and Youth, Former Chief Officer Finance Joseph Malinda, Annmarie Kuria, Director Supply Chain Management, Ashina Wanga, Head of Budget and Planning, Martin Agai, Chief Officer, Office of the Governor and Everline Kakai, Chief Officer Finance to be grilled on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a letter signed by the commission’s South Rift Coordinator, Kipsang Sambai, dated September 2, 2025, the EACC claims to be investigating alleged use of funds by the county for legal services by officials of the county administration.
“To facilitate the investigations, please inform the person listed below to appear for an interview and statement recording at our 5th floor assumption Centre offices on the dates and times specified on our schedule below, “states the letter
The move follows the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee directive after Governor Susan Kihika appeared before it to answer audit queries raised by the Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu in her 2024/2025 financial report regarding the irregular hiring and payment to private law firms without approval from the county attorney.
The 2024/25 Auditor General’s report revealed that the payments to private law firms were made without contracts or supporting documentation and bypassed the county attorney’s office.
The Auditor General’s report also highlighted other irregularities in Nakuru County’s financial management.
It noted that the county operated 28 bank accounts, with discrepancies of Sh339.5 million between cashbook balances and actual funds.
Expenditures included Sh22.4 million on foreign travel and Sh5.8 million on domestic trips, despite national austerity directives, Sh93.3 million on training without documentation, Sh159 million paid to employees outside the official payroll, and Sh2 billion in pending bills.
Vehicle-related spending of Sh6.8 million on tyres and Sh21 million on routine maintenance was also flagged as lacking proper justification.
Governor Kihika, however, claimed the county attorney was the one best placed to respond to the questions on payments made to private law firms.
