Omondi Nyangla recently shared a Facebook post that has sparked fresh interest in Evans Kidero’s controversial legacy in both corporate and political spaces. Kidero, who was once seen as a beacon of hope for the Luo community, especially because of his strong academic and corporate background, now finds himself the subject of intense public pressure. Many had hoped he would bring reform, efficiency, and integrity into government, but time has instead exposed a trail of scandals and allegations of abuse of office stretching from his time at Mumias Sugar to City Hall and now to his current post at the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC).
Kidero started off as a respected corporate leader, best known for heading Mumias Sugar Company. At first, he was praised for turning around the company, but later audits painted a different picture. Reports indicate he oversaw fraudulent deals and ignored corruption red flags. A forensic audit by KPMG and a parliamentary report directly held him responsible for actions that nearly collapsed the company. The damage from his leadership was not just financial; it affected thousands of lives across western Kenya, where the company was a key employer and economic engine.
After resigning from Mumias, Kidero moved into politics and became the first governor of Nairobi in 2013. This position gave him even more visibility and influence. Unfortunately, his time at City Hall was quickly marred by corruption allegations. He was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in 2018 and charged with conspiracy to commit corruption involving over Sh213 million for services never delivered. Later, he was again charged in a separate scandal involving Sh68 million paid irregularly to a legal firm. Allegations also emerged surrounding his foundation, with suspicious banking activities involving billions of shillings. These issues cast serious doubt on his leadership and accountability.
Despite all this, Kidero found his way back into public service. In November 2024, President William Ruto appointed him as Chairperson of KNTC, a key state agency involved in managing trade operations and price stabilization. This move raised eyebrows, considering his track record. What has now added to the controversy are new allegations suggesting that Kidero has placed his own relatives at the heart of KNTC. Claims have emerged, though not widely reported by mainstream media, that his son and maternal cousin have been given influential positions at the KNTC headquarters. These claims, point to a clear case of nepotism. The silence of KNTC’s Managing Director Lucy Anangwe on the matter has only fueled suspicion, with many wondering whether internal corruption is being quietly tolerated.
While there is yet to be formal verification of the nepotism allegations, the optics are troubling, especially for someone with a history of serious public scandals. Kidero’s story is quickly becoming a symbol of how failed leadership and lack of accountability continue to haunt Kenya’s public service. His fall from a hopeful reformist to a man clouded by corruption allegations shows how systemic rot in government can persist when those with questionable pasts are rewarded instead of being held accountable. As KNTC continues its operations under Kidero’s leadership, many are watching closely, hoping that this time, public interest will not be traded for private gain.
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