Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has once again put the spotlight on corruption in Nairobi County after accusing Chief Finance Officer Asha Abdi of being at the center of financial scandals draining taxpayers’ money.
His accusations have opened another chapter of mistrust in Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, with claims that Abdi is not only repeating the same questionable practices she was linked to in Mombasa but is now doing so on a bigger scale in the capital.
According to Owino, Abdi has perfected the art of approving fraudulent payments through networks tied to Sakaja’s close allies, popularly referred to as Wamadimplez.
Abdi, who joined Nairobi County in late 2022 after serving in Mombasa, carries a history of controversy around financial management. Court documents from her time in Mombasa mention her in disputes over county money and procurement alongside other officials such as Mariam Mbaruk.
Although no charges stuck, those cases created a trail of questions. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission already holds files on her activities, both past and present, and new investigations appear to be expanding.
Despite her role in introducing e-payments in Mombasa to cut graft risks, allegations of irregular tenders and inflated budgets followed her career into Nairobi.
In Nairobi, her office now manages billions meant for public services, but critics say the money is funneled to ghost projects and non-existent suppliers.
One example is the Sh600 million that went to questionable law firms and contractors without proper records.
In May 2024, she was grilled in the County Assembly over Sh1.4 billion in legal fees, with departments blaming each other for the mess. By early 2025, EACC recommended her prosecution alongside Dr. Machel Waikenda over a Sh313.8 million street lighting tender that was marred by irregularities and overpricing.
Still, Abdi defended herself, claiming records were clean, though lawmakers and watchdogs demanded deeper scrutiny.
The scandal does not end there. Reports show firms like Emari Ventures, Zonari Investment, and Centreline Logistics were paid hundreds of millions for services like garbage collection and road repairs that barely took place.
In March 2024, Emari Ventures bagged Sh19 million for rehabilitation work in Lower Savannah Ward, but locals confirmed no progress on the ground.
End-of-year spending sprees at City Hall reportedly see fake invoices rushed in to empty the budget before it lapses, leaving Nairobians with potholes, garbage piles, and stalled projects.
Those who question these payments, such as county official Daniel Nguru, face demotions or intimidation.
Even more telling is how Abdi appears to enjoy protection from Sakaja’s inner circle. She is often referred to as his “wonder girl,” suggesting her position is untouchable despite the scandals.
Together with Finance Executive Charles Kerich and other allies, she allegedly runs a powerful network within City Hall. When the Directorate of Criminal Investigations flagged a Sh1.5 billion requisition in 2023 for missing documents, reports claim Abdi and Kerich slipped away to Istanbul, avoiding scrutiny as pressure mounted back home.
The corruption wave is not unique to Nairobi, as similar cases in Siaya, Bomet, and Kakamega show how finance chiefs misuse their power across counties.
But Nairobi’s scale makes the situation worse because of the city’s size and the resources it commands. Sakaja rode into office on promises of accountability, yet scandals tied to his administration keep piling up.
For residents, the outcome is poor services, unpaid suppliers, and stalled projects, while those accused of theft remain in office.
Babu Owino’s latest call is clear, he wants the EACC to act swiftly before Nairobi loses more money. For now, pressure is building on Sakaja to explain why his most trusted finance officer, already linked to so many questionable deals, continues to hold such a critical role.
Trust in Abdi is fading quickly, and unless action is taken, Nairobians will continue paying the heavy price of corruption under Sakaja’s watch.
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