EACC nabs senior Turkana County officials in Sh600 million scam
Abdi Mohamud stated that the suspects allegedly used their authority to embezzle funds by colluding and making payments for goods and services that were never procured.
Ten senior officials from the Turkana County Government have been taken into custody following an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into the alleged embezzlement of Sh600 million meant for development projects.
The EACC, led by CEO Abdi Mohamud, revealed that the embezzlement occurred over the financial years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
The officials arrested include Michael Eregae Ekidor, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, and several others, including Chief Officers, accountants, and businessmen linked to the scandal.
Those arrested include Chief Officer for Municipalities and Urban Management, Peter Lomurukai; Chief Officer for Roads and Transport, Mark Achila Ekiru; Director of Procurement, Samson Nakito; Senior Accountant, Lillian Alaper; and Cleaning Supervisor Annah Narot Longoli, among others.
The list also includes her spouse, John Tioko Ekal; Security Warden Abenyo Amathwel Etiir; former Assistant Director of Accounting Stephen Lowoton; and businessmen William Erex Aminit and Nangiro Edung Ichor.
The arrests follow an investigation prompted by public complaints, with EACC accusing the individuals of misappropriating public funds through procurement fraud, bribery, and fictitious contracts.
Mohamud stated that the suspects allegedly used their authority to embezzle funds by colluding and making payments for goods and services that were never procured.
"The suspects are alleged to have abused their positions of trust and authority to embezzle public funds through collusion, procurement fraud, bribery, and payment for fictitious contracts," Mohamud said.
According to the EACC, several of the accused officials traded with the county through various companies, leading to over Sh600 million in fraudulent payments.
It is also alleged that Michael Eregae Ekidor amassed substantial wealth during his tenure as the Finance Executive.
As part of the operation, EACC officials recovered Sh6.5 million in cash from Ekidor's vehicle, which they suspect to be proceeds from corruption.
The EACC has also obtained court orders freezing Sh180 million in bank accounts linked to Abenyo Amathwel Etiir and his associated companies.
The funds were frozen in March 2025 as part of the investigation.
The EACC boss assured the public that once the investigation is complete, the Commission will take appropriate actions, including possible prosecution and the recovery of unexplained wealth.