A person who uses his office to improperly confer a benefit on himself or anyone else is guilty of an offence, court asserts as it convicts Waititu and co-accused in Kes588 million case.
Court convicts former Governor, his wife, and five others in Kes588 million road tender corruption case
12:02:2025: Ferdinand Ndungâu Waititu, his wife Susan Wangari Ndungâu, their two companies, a former Kiambu County Government Chief Officer for Roads, a contracting company, and its two directors have today been found guilty of various charges in the Kes588 million road tender graft case. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission commenced an investigation pursuant to a complaint received in March 2017 that the County Government of Kiambu had irregularly awarded Testimony Enterprises Limited a contract for upgrading various gravel roads to bituminous in Thika, Limuru, Gatundu North, Juja, and Ruiru Sub Counties at a contract sum of Kshs. 588 million in the financial year 2017/2018. Upon completion of the investigations, the Commission submitted its investigation report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who, upon review, concurred with its recommendations to charge. They were arraigned on July 19, 2021, on fraud, conflict of interest, dealing in suspicious property, money laundering, and abuse of office. In September 2023, the Court found that the former Governor had a case to answer and put him together with his wife, a former Chief Officer in his Government, his company (Saika Two Estate Developers Ltd), the Contracting company (Testimony Enterprises Ltd), and its two directors on their defense. Today, Chief Magistrate Hon. Thomas Nzioki of the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani convicted Mr. Waititu on count one for conflict of interest. He and his company, Saika Two Estate Developers, were found guilty in counts two and three for dealing with suspect property. The Court found that he illegally obtained an indirect personal interest in Kes25,624.500 from Testimony Enterprises Limited, the contractor to the Kiambu County Government that was irregularly awarded the road tender. He channeled this interest through his company and business name while serving as governor. He was convicted alongside his wife, trading as Bienvenue Delta Hotel, on the third count of receiving Kes7,214,000 from Testimony Enterprises Ltd with the knowledge that the money was acquired from the Kiambu County Government through Corrupt Conduct. Luka Waihinya was convicted in count five for abuse of office. The Court agreed with the Prosecution that the former Chief Officer for Roads, Transport, Public Works, and Utilities improperly awarded a contract worth Kes588,198,328 to Testimony Enterprises Ltd, an irregularly procured firm, for upgrading various roads in the county to bituminous standards. At the same time, Charles Chege, his spouse Beth Wangeci, and their company, Testimony Enterprises Ltd, were found guilty in counts seven, eight, and nine for engaging in fraudulent practice and fraudulent acquisition of public property. The Court found the two directors of Testimony Enterprises Ltd. incorporated forged degree certificates for technical staff in a bid submitted concerning the road tender. They also fraudulently acquired Kes147,274,055 from the County Government of Kiambu for the tender. They will remain in custody until tomorrow, 13th February 2025, when the Court reconvenes for sentencing.
EACC kicks-off public outreach in Nandi County
12:02:2025: EACC and the Nandi County Government have jointly launched a weeklong public outreach programme targeting various regions of the vast county. The outreach aims to raise public awareness of corruption, galvanize public support for the fight against it, and promote ethics in society. This is also in fulfillment of the Commissionâs broader mandate of educating and creating public awareness of the effects of corruption and leading the collective action against corruption by all Kenyans. While flagging off the sensitization caravan, Nandi County Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Cheruiyot called upon residents to join the fight against corruption, noting that Kenya would be prosperous if there were integrity in all spheres of life. EACCâs North Rift Regional Manager, Mr Charles Rasugu, said EACC will traverse every bit of the county to ensure that citizens are well versed in integrity, ethics, and good governance. Deputy Director, Education and Public Awareness, Dr Emily Mworia, thanked the County Government for collaborating with the Commission, noting that EACC will partner with all counties in promoting integrity and good governance. The outreach includes training the County Executive Committee Members (CECM), the Heads of Departments of the County Assembly, and the Head of Department of the National Government Administration. It also includes public outreach across the six sub-counties, including road shows and sensitisation of vocational training centres.
EACC to review operational systems of the National Police Service to improve delivery and tame graft
10:02:2025: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has today launched an Examination into the Systems, Policies, Procedures, and Practices of Work of the National Police Service (NPS) to tame corruption. The system audit exercise aims to identify and address systemic weaknesses and loopholes that encourage corruption in Kenya’s police operations. Upon completion of the process, EACC will submit a comprehensive report of the findings and reform recommendations to the Inspector General of Police for implementation. The event brought together top leadership from both EACC and NPS. It was presided over by EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and EACC Secretary/CEO Abdi Mohamud. In his address, Dr Oginde said that the National Police Service is a key organ of National Security and plays a critical role in the Criminal Justice System regarding law enforcement, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity. He said such an institution must operate with the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability, adding, “It is our collective duty to ensure that the Service remains a beacon of integrity and excellence.â The CEO, Mr Abdi A. Mohamud, reaffirmed EACCâs commitment to work closely with the National Police Service, to enhance its efficiency and efficacy in service delivery and called the Service Commanders and all ranks within the National Police Service to commit their unqualified support for a successful implementation of this noble exercise. On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Douglas Kanja elaborated on his desire to leave a legacy of integrity and ethics where world-class service delivery was the mantra in the National Police Service. The Commission’s entry into NPS is pursuant to section 11 (1) g) and (i) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011, which states that the Commission shall advise, on its initiative, any person on any matter within its functions; and, subject to article 31 of the Constitution, monitor the practices and procedures of public bodies to detect corrupt practices and to secure the revision of methods of work or procedures that may be conducive to corruption practices. The NPS has consistently ranked among the most corrupt institutions in surveys conducted by EACC over the years. The Commission has also received and investigated numerous reports of bribery and other corruption in the Service. Given the critical role that the Police plays in the country’s security, which is crucial to the realization of the social-economic objectives outlined in the Constitution of Kenya and other development blueprints, the Commission must assist the leadership of the National Police Service in proactively addressing the problem of corruption so that the NPS can effectively deliver on its mandate. The examination will identify and profile areas in the NPS systems, policies, procedures, and practices susceptible to corruption and assess compliance with the guidelines, laws, regulations, and industry standards. It will also provide appropriate advice on addressing the identified weaknesses to eradicate corruption and enhance service delivery in NPS, give technical support and guidance in implementing recommendations, and facilitate the development of a Risk Mitigation Plan with specific strategies, activities, and programs. It will cover the following core functions and support services: Police Reforms; Administration, Planning, and Finance; Supply Chain Management; Human Capital Development; Corporate Communications; Legal Services Directorate; Operations of the Kenya Police Service; Operations of the Administration Police Service; Operations of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations; Operations of the Internal Affairs Unit; and Staff Training Colleges. The exercise will run until July 18, 2025, at the end of which the Commission will prepare a report of findings with recommendations, which will be presented to the Inspector General of Police for implementation. The Commission will thereafter work with the leadership of the NPS to ensure that the report is successfully implemented and any emerging challenges are addressed.
EACC jumpstarts compliance monitoring of National Fertilizer Subsidy Program in the Ministry of Agriculture
07:02:2025: Ahead of the expected long rains, EACC, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has kicked off a compliance monitoring exercise for the Fertilizer subsidy programme. The National Fertilizer Subsidy Program (NFSP) is a government program that sells subsidized fertilizer to farmers. The programme aims to increase food production, reduce food prices, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. However, in the past, allegations of fraud have marred the program, thus derailing its efficient and effective implementation. Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe (shaking hands with the EACC Vice Chairperson, Dr Muiru, in the photo above), expressed his support for the collaboration, noting that the exercise’s outcome will strengthen the program operations and enhance public confidence in the entire exercise. EACC Vice Chairperson Dr Monica Muiru observed that corruption prevention should be prioritized so that the ministry can achieve its vision of a food-secure and prosperous nation. In his remarks, the Director of Preventive Services, Mr Vincent Okongâo, said that the Commissionâs decision to carry out the Compliance Monitoring exercise was informed by the challenges the fertilizer subsidy programme has faced. âThe challenges include allegations of distribution and sale of fake fertilizers, poor systems for targeting farmers, leakages, and procurement fraud, among others,â he said.
EACC to monitor implementation of 2018 systems review recommendations in the Ministry of Lands
06/02/2025: EACC has started monitoring the implementation of the recommendations in the 2018 systems examination report in the State Department of Lands and Physical Planning. Key findings of the 2018 examination into the systems, policies, procedures, and practices of the State Department of Lands and Physical Planning included irregular development approvals, irregular issuance of parcel and deed plan numbers, and consents and lease processing. Other report findings included inaccurate surveys and irregular map amendments, double registration of parcels, forgeries in land transactions, and the existence of parallel, duplicate, and missing land records. The report recommended, among others, enforcement of development control mechanisms in the Physical Planning Act, the establishment of a standard mechanism for issuance of parcel numbers, ensuring that land valuations for stamp duty are based on actual and current values and site inspections, automation of the titleâs issuance processes, and development of record management policy guidelines. Launching the monitoring exercise yesterday at Ardhi House on behalf of the Commissionâs CEO, Director of Preventive Services, Mr Vincent Okongâo, said that EACC recognizes the important and strategic role that the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning plays in providing a secure future for Kenyans and their families through effective land tenure and administration. The State Department Secretary, Administration, Mohammed A. Maalim, commended the Commission for its proactive approach to preventing corruption in Government institutions. He also highlighted the Department’s progress in implementing the report’s recommendations. These include legislative review of some land laws, such as the Physical Planning Act 1996, which was repealed by the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 20219. Other changes already undertaken include automating processes, enhancing complaints handling mechanisms, decentralized and operationalizing land services, deploying additional valuers, and standardizing stamp duty applications. Mr. Okongâo said that the monitoring exercise furthers the Commissionâs preventive mandate. Its objectives are to determine the level of implementation of the recommendations, establish any challenges encountered in the implementation process, and recommend the way forward. âCorruption and unethical practises in our public institutions pose major challenges that hamper achieving and realizing good governance, sustainable development, and Vision 2030. It is, therefore, in the interest of the Government and the Kenyan citizens that we efficiently undertake land administration processes for socio-economic development,â Mr Okongâo said.
Former Likoni DCIO pleads not guilty to graft charges
A former Likoni Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), arrested on Tuesday by the EACC for corruption, was arraigned yesterday before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption. Before Chief Magistrate Hon. Alex Ithuku, Charles Onyango Kaâgalo pleaded not guilty to three counts of abuse of office, soliciting, and receiving a bribe. The Court released him on a bond of Kes500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or Kes200,000 cash bail in the alternative. Mr. Kaâgalo was picked up from his rural home in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, where he had relocated after retirement and escorted to Mombasa. He was held at the Port Police Station pending his arraignment. The Court heard that Mr. Kaâgalo received a bribe of Kes20,000 from a suspect at Lovely Bar and Restaurant in Soko Mjinga in Mombasa in 2019 to not charge her with a criminal offense, which the DCI was investigating. The case will be mentioned on 19th February 2025.
EACC Chairperson, A.G. commit to a vibrant Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum
05/02/2025: EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde and the Hon. Attorney General Dorcas Oduor have reiterated their commitment to a unified stakeholder approach to fighting corruption through the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) platform. Speaking when she hosted EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde at Sheria House yesterday, the Honorable Attorney General said promoting good governance and anti-corruption measures were crucial in accelerating national progress and attaining development goals. Hon. Oduor chairs KLIF, with Dr. Oginde as the alternate Chairperson. KLIF is a governance partnership initiative that brings together 20 state and non-state sectors, including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, County Governments, Labour, Anti-Corruption Agencies, Enforcement and Oversight Agencies, Media, Private Sector, Professional Bodies, Education, Civil Society, Faith Sector, Constitutional Commissions, Development Partners, Transport Sector, and Regulatory Bodies in the Financial Services Sector. This initiative fosters stakeholder collaboration, promoting ethical leadership, good governance, and anti-corruption initiatives in Kenya. The Solicitor General, Hon. Shadrack Mose, Chief State Counsel, Ms Sophia Sitati, and Head of the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum, Ms Joyce Munene, were also present.
Court convicts four in the Sh550 million KPC procurement scandal
EACC and KICD join forces to embed ethics in Kenya’s education Curriculum
04/02/2025: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commissionâs CEO, Mr. Abdi A. Mohamud, and his counterpart at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Prof. Charles Ochiengâ Ongâondo have explored innovative strategies for embedding ethics and integrity into Kenyaâs education curriculum. The initiative is part of the Commissionâs broader commitment to combat corruption and unethical conduct by targeting the formative years of youth development, recognizing that the early instillation of values profoundly shapes character. Speaking today at the KICD, where Mr. Mohamud had paid a courtesy call on the Institutionâs Director, the two leaders underscored the critical importance of value-based education as a formidable tool against corruption and moral decay in society. They said that by integrating ethics and integrity into the curriculum, Kenya can empower its youth with the essential knowledge and values necessary for ethical living, enabling them to navigate contemporary challenges and resist the temptations of corruption. The two leaders committed to enhancing collaboration between EACC and KICD in pursuit of comprehensive value-based education in Kenyan schools, which inspires students to value integrity. The two agencies will explore various initiatives, including conducting studies on state ethics education in schools, reviewing curriculum, and developing integrity materials tailored for different learning stages. The KICD plays a significant role in Kenyaâs education system. It, among many other functions, advises the Government on matters of Curriculum Development and develops, reviews, and approves programs, curricula, and curriculum support materials that meet international standards for, among other things, early childhood care, pre-primary education, secondary education, adult education, teacher education and training, special needs education, and technical and vocational education and training. The Institution also researches to inform curriculum policies, review and development, and prints, publishes, and disseminates information relating to curricula for basic and tertiary education and training. With EACCâs mandate in prevention, public education, and promotion of standards and practices of integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption, KICD has become a key partner in the fight against corruption.