Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adan is facing tough questions after he appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over the alleged mismanagement of Ksh.1.2 billion.
The governor was summoned to record a statement in Nairobi, following claims that his administration engaged in massive embezzlement of public funds and questionable recruitment of staff between October 2022 and June 2024.
A letter dated August 19, 2025, shows that the commission directed him to appear at the Integrity Centre offices to explain how county money has been handled under his watch.
The allegations against the governor paint a disturbing picture of how public resources may have been misused.
According to the EACC, one of the main issues under investigation is the irregular recruitment of workers and the shocking payment of Ksh.700 million in salaries to ghost workers.
This raises serious questions about whether the county payroll has been manipulated to benefit individuals while ordinary residents of Garissa continue to suffer from poor services.
Such revelations suggest deliberate schemes to drain county funds instead of channeling them to health, education, and development projects that are urgently needed.
The probe has also opened up concerns about possible conflict of interest by the governor. Investigators are looking into the award of contracts worth Ksh.265 million to Takaful Insurance of Africa Ltd and Tina Gardens Hotel, companies believed to be directly connected to him. If proven, this would show that the governor may have abused his position to enrich himself or people close to him using public money.
These are not small amounts, and the implication is that county tenders are being treated as personal business opportunities rather than tools for community development.
Other tenders under scrutiny include a Ksh.188 million project for the construction of a pavilion and perimeter fence at Garissa Primary School awarded to Jubalink Logistics and Transport Company, and another worth Ksh.110 million for the construction of a terminal wing at Garissa Airstrip given to Remera Investments Limited.
The figures involved in these contracts raise eyebrows, especially since locals continue to complain of stalled projects and poor infrastructure despite such massive spending being reported.
The investigations have left the people of Garissa demanding answers. While the governor is busy defending himself at the EACC offices, the residents remain with questions about why development remains slow, why basic services are lacking, and why billions of shillings cannot be accounted for.
The accusations show a county leadership that has failed to prioritize the people and instead focused on deals that benefit a few at the expense of many.
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