The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its fight against corruption after arresting a senior Kitui County official and several company directors over an alleged procurement scheme involving more than Sh17 million in public funds.
The case has once again placed the spotlight on how public money is managed and the need for stronger accountability in county governments.
Those arrested include Kitui County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries Gladys Mami Kivoto and six directors of companies that are alleged to have benefited from county contracts through irregular procurement arrangements.
According to the EACC, the investigations point to possible conflict of interest, abuse of office and corrupt procurement practices involving projects awarded over several financial years.
The commission said Kivoto served as an Authority to Incur Expenditure holder in the Departments of Irrigation and Agriculture and Fisheries during the period under investigation.
It alleges that while holding that position, she traded with the same county government through five companies namely Shanel Construction Company Ltd, ECO Stone Company Ltd, AZ Links Company Ltd, DTK Construction Company Ltd and 4-Walls Company Ltd.Investigators estimate that the contracts under review were worth about Sh17.48 million.
Records examined by the commission indicate that the companies received more than Sh14.1 million from Kitui County between the 2018/2019 and the 2024/2025 financial years.
According to the EACC, evidence gathered during the investigations suggests that Kivoto allegedly awarded contracts to the companies or approved payments to them while serving in her official capacity.
The commission further claims that some of the firms were linked to her close relatives, raising serious concerns over conflict of interest in the awarding of public tenders.
The anti-graft agency identified Josephine Mikali Wambua, a director of Shanel Construction Company Ltd, Makoma Wambua, a director of AZ Links Company Ltd, and Emmanuel Wambua, a director of ECO Stone Company Ltd as close relatives of the chief officer.
Investigators also reported that financial analysis revealed several transactions between Kivoto and directors of DTK Construction Company Ltd and 4-Walls Company Ltd, which they believe point to financial links between the public official and the companies.
After completing its investigations, the EACC forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who approved the prosecution of nine suspects.
The charges include conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and engaging in corrupt procurement practices.
Those arrested include Gladys Mami Kivoto, Josephine Mikali Wambua, Roselyne Kyambi Kilonzi, Mary Mueni Mbiti, Jonathan Kivondo Kieti and Onesmus Munyao Nzioka.
They are expected to appear before the Kitui Law Courts.
The commission has also directed Makoma Wambua, Emmanuel Wambua and Stella Nthenya Kioko, who are said to be in hiding, to report to the EACC’s Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos or the nearest EACC office without delay.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the commission remains determined to protect public resources and ensure those responsible for corruption and economic crimes are brought to justice.
He also called on all public institutions to fully comply with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 by strengthening systems that prevent, declare and manage conflicts of interest.
The case is expected to attract close public attention as the prosecution begins.
It also serves as another reminder that public officials entrusted with managing taxpayers’ money are expected to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability at all times.
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