A comprehensive audit has uncovered what appears to be one of the largest financial discrepancies in Nairobi County’s history, with Sh39.8 billion mysteriously removed from the county’s pending bills register, raising serious questions about the authenticity of supplier claims under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration.
The Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, has revealed an unexplained 32.7 percent reduction in Nairobi’s supplier arrears, which dropped from Sh121.8 billion to Sh86.8 billion over the year ending June 2025.
This dramatic decrease has triggered demands for a detailed explanation from the Auditor-General’s office about how such a massive amount could simply vanish from official records.
The timing of this discovery is particularly concerning as it comes amid widespread complaints from legitimate contractors who continue to wait months or even years for payments from both county and national governments.
Many small and medium-sized businesses that depend on government contracts have found themselves blacklisted by credit reference bureaus after defaulting on loans while waiting for delayed payments.
Charles Kerich, Nairobi’s County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Affairs, has attempted to provide explanations for the reduction, citing the elimination of “unjustifiably high” legal fees and the removal of a disputed Sh300 million bank loan from the pending bills register.
He also mentioned that the county paid Sh1 billion in outstanding pensions and realigned contingent liabilities related to loans borrowed in the 1980s.
However, these explanations account for only Sh4 billion of the total Sh39.8 billion reduction, leaving a substantial gap that remains unexplained.
The Controller of Budget has made it clear that Nairobi County must provide a comprehensive breakdown to the Auditor-General of how this reconciliation was conducted.
This latest scandal adds to a troubling pattern of financial irregularities at City Hall. In April, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission revealed court filings detailing how rogue county officials had paid Sh407 million to shadowy businesses through fraudulent transactions between 2016 and 2022.
The investigation found that senior officials approved irregular payments to 14 unprequalified business entities for supplies that were never delivered.
The broader implications of this audit extend beyond Nairobi County.
The Controller of Budget noted that the reduction in Nairobi’s pending bills caused the overall debt owed by all 47 counties to suppliers to decrease from Sh181.9 billion to Sh176.8 billion.
Despite this reduction, Nairobi still holds the dubious distinction of having the largest unpaid debts among all counties at Sh86.77 billion.
The aging analysis of Nairobi’s remaining pending bills reveals another disturbing trend.
Over 71 percent of the outstanding debts, amounting to Sh62.38 billion, have been pending for more than three years. This prolonged delay in payments has created a ripple effect throughout the business community, with many suppliers facing financial ruin while waiting for their money.
The situation has become so dire that asset seizures among government suppliers have increased significantly.
Hundreds of business owners who once eagerly sought government contracts now describe the financial pain of years-long payment delays as unbearable.
The irony is stark: while the government remains the biggest spender in the country, its payment practices are driving legitimate businesses into bankruptcy.
Dr. Nyakang’o expressed particular concern about the continued accumulation of new pending bills, noting that counties added Sh48.9 billion to their unpaid obligations between July 2024 and June 2025, despite receiving full disbursements from the Treasury.
This trend suggests systemic issues in financial management across the devolved units.
The Controller of Budget also highlighted discrepancies between the pending bills that many counties report to her office and the figures contained in their official financial statements, pointing to potential widespread irregularities in financial reporting across the country.
For Governor Sakaja’s administration, this audit represents a significant credibility challenge.
Having come into office promising transparency and fiscal responsibility, the unexplained removal of nearly Sh40 billion from the county’s books without proper documentation raises serious questions about financial governance under his leadership.
The demand for accountability is growing louder, with the Controller of Budget insisting that Nairobi County must provide a detailed analysis of its reconciliation process to the Auditor-General.
Until such explanations are forthcoming, the specter of fake supplier bills and fraudulent transactions will continue to hang over City Hall, undermining public trust in the county’s financial management.
As investigations continue, the people of Nairobi are left wondering how many more financial irregularities remain hidden in the county’s books, and whether the current administration has the political will to root out the systemic corruption that has plagued City Hall for years.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has ignited a firestorm of controversy with damning revelations that over Sh5.2 billion earmarked for development in Busia County was systematically looted during the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
In a detailed press statement and forensic audit report released early Saturday, Omtatah accused county officials of orchestrating a deliberate scheme to siphon public funds, leaving no visible development on the ground while certain individuals flaunt lavish lifestyles.
The audit, commissioned by Omtatah and conducted by independent expert Mr. Muchere, uncovered undocumented payments, voided transactions worth billions, and a lack of transparency in financial records.
“Despite red flags, the Auditor-General gave Busia a clean bill of health for that financial year, a move I find complicit and unacceptable,” Omtatah stated, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.
Omtatah’s battle for transparency has been met with fierce resistance.
Accessing source documents for the 2022/2023 audit required court intervention, a struggle now repeating itself as he seeks records for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
The Senator has twice summoned the Auditor-General to the Senate, but she has dodged both appearances, fueling accusations of institutional failure.
The forensic report reveals fraud through duplicate Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) account codes and unauthorized expenditures totaling Sh5.2 billion.
Additionally, Sh2.1 billion in payments for goods and services lacked documentation, corroborated by a May 2025 K24 Digital report pointing to millions in untraceable travel and hospitality expenses.
These allegations aren’t isolated.
In 2018, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over an alleged Sh8 million fraud scheme.
The latest audit also suggests ethnic favoritism, with 88% of county staff from a single ethnic group, hinting at nepotism in hiring practices.
Omtatah framed the Busia scandal as part of a broader national issue, urging fellow senators to commission forensic audits across all 47 counties.
“This isn’t just about Busia. It’s about building the second Republic where the Constitution is not ornamental but a promise that no Kenyan will be robbed of their future by the greed of a few,” he declared.
The revelations have sparked social media outrage, with users rallying behind Omtatah’s call for justice.
As Kenya grapples with this scandal, all eyes are on the Senate and anti-corruption agencies to determine whether this marks a turning point in fighting public sector corruption.
For now, the people of Busia and all Kenyans await justice, with Omtatah’s rallying cry, “Kenya Istahili Heshima” (Kenya deserves respect), echoing across the nation.
For more details, the full audit report and supporting documents are available online at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ClvtyFOuFMfJqOk4uQ0I-0mL-SR.
Deputy Governor turns whistleblower as county faces fresh corruption allegations just months after surviving impeachment
Kericho County is once again thrust into the corruption spotlight, with Governor Erick Mutai facing explosive allegations of orchestrating fictitious payments worth Sh80 million.
This time, the bombshell comes from within his own administration, as Deputy Governor Fred Kirui has emerged as the chief whistleblower.
The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the tea-rich county, involves alleged phantom payments to at least 28 companies for goods and services that were reportedly never delivered.
The revelation is particularly damaging for Mutai, who narrowly survived impeachment proceedings in October 2024, only to find himself embroiled in fresh corruption allegations barely three months later.
Questionable transactions
According to Kirui’s explosive revelations, the county disbursed millions between October 2024 and April 2025 for questionable procurements including catering services, office supplies, furniture, staff uniforms, computers, and vehicle maintenance.
The transactions appear carefully orchestrated to avoid detection, with most companies receiving amounts just below Sh3 million – a threshold that would trigger additional scrutiny.
The most telling example occurred on March 10, 2025, when Sh6 million was withdrawn from a retention account and distributed among several companies.
Five firms allegedly supplied agricultural products including soya, maize, sunflower, and cotton, each billing amounts suspiciously close to the Sh3 million threshold.
“There is no political malice here.
This is about protecting public funds and upholding transparency,” Kirui insisted, dismissing suggestions that his revelations are motivated by his well-documented clashes with Governor Mutai.
The Sh80 million at the center of this scandal represents more than just numbers on audit reports.
Critics have calculated that this sum could have funded full tuition for 355 students in national schools from Form One to Form Four, or constructed three kilometers of rural road infrastructure – resources desperately needed in a county where development has lagged despite its agricultural wealth.
One company alone was paid Sh3.55 million for general office supplies, while another received Sh1.85 million for tents, chairs, and a public address system.
These amounts raise serious questions about value for money and proper procurement procedures.
Governor under siege
Dr Eric Mutai, governor of Kericho, and his deputy, Eng Fred Kirui In the past.
This latest scandal comes at a particularly vulnerable time for Mutai, who has been battling corruption allegations throughout his tenure. In October 2024, he narrowly survived impeachment proceedings in the Senate, which terminated the process after finding that the minimum threshold of 32 MCAs was not met at the County Assembly level.
The impeachment motion had accused him of gross violation of the constitution, misappropriation of county finances, and abuse of office. While he survived that political storm, the current allegations present a more serious challenge as they come with potential criminal implications and involve anti-corruption agencies.
Mutai’s response to the current crisis has been characteristically measured. “I do not condone corruption. I’ve warned my officers publicly and privately—they will carry their own cross if found guilty,” he stated, while maintaining that he will allow the County Assembly to execute its oversight role.
Investigations continues
The Kericho County Assembly has moved swiftly to address the allegations, forming an ad hoc committee led by Londiani Ward MCA Vincent Korir to investigate the claims.
The committee has been given a tight deadline to conclude investigations and table its report by August 6, 2025.
“Those who will be found culpable will be dealt with, and we will ensure that all the departments are interrogated along with the Office of the Controller of Budget and the contractors who have been named in the petition,” Korir warned.
Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett emphasized that accountability will extend from the highest office to junior officers if wrongdoing is established.
The Assembly’s commitment to fast-tracking the probe reflects the gravity of the allegations and public pressure for swift action.
Kirui has also escalated the matter beyond county level, writing to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, demanding immediate action.
EACC’s track record in Kericho
The involvement of EACC is particularly significant given the commission’s history with Kericho County.
The anti-corruption agency has previously investigated various corruption allegations in the county, including recent raids on county offices in January 2025 over controversial tender awards.
However, residents and elected officials have expressed concern about the commission’s apparent reluctance to take concrete action despite multiple investigations.
This latest case presents EACC with an opportunity to demonstrate its effectiveness in tackling county-level corruption.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has thrown his weight behind calls for accountability, urging the County Assembly to fast-track investigations.
“I am calling on the County Assembly to fast-track the investigations into the claim of financial rip-off at the county executive and ensure those found to have been engaged in graft are held to account,” Cheruiyot stated.
The political implications extend beyond Kericho, as county governments nationwide face increased scrutiny over financial management.
This case could set important precedents for how corruption allegations are handled at the devolved level.
As investigations unfold, several key questions remain unanswered.
Will EACC finally take decisive action against county officials? Can Governor Mutai survive this latest scandal politically and legally? And will the County Assembly’s investigation lead to meaningful accountability or become another bureaucratic exercise?
The next few weeks will be crucial as the August 6 deadline for the assembly committee’s report approaches. For the residents of Kericho County, who have witnessed repeated corruption scandals, this represents yet another test of whether their leaders can be held accountable for the stewardship of public resources.
The scandal also highlights the critical role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption, even when they come from within the same administration. Deputy Governor Kirui’s decision to go public with these allegations, despite potential political costs, demonstrates the importance of institutional courage in the fight against corruption.
As this story continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the people of Kericho County deserve better leadership and accountability from their elected officials. The Sh80 million scandal may be the latest chapter in the county’s troubled governance story, but it need not be the final one.
Court finds Dr. Shem Ochuodho has case to answer over alleged conspiracy to defraud Kenya Pipeline Company through dubious refinancing deal
A Nairobi anti-corruption court has ruled that former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Dr. Shem Ochuodho must stand trial over allegations of conspiring to defraud the state corporation of Sh827 million in a complex refinancing scheme that has been winding through the courts for 15 years.
Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Principal Magistrate Zipporah Gichana on Wednesday put Ochuodho on his defense alongside his co-accused, Janice Theresia Wanjiku Kiarie, alias Terry Wijenje, a former director of debt-refinancing company Triple A Capital Limited.
The magistrate’s ruling came after more than 20 prosecution witnesses completed their testimonies in the case that dates back to 2010, following numerous applications from both the defense and prosecution teams.
According to the prosecution, between May 2003 and July 2004, Ochuodho and other board members conspired to defraud KPC through a refinancing deal that required the company to pay Triple A Capital Ltd credit charges, despite the firm lacking sufficient funds to settle KPC’s international debts.
The case centers on accusations that Ochuodho fraudulently instructed Standard Chartered Bank to pay Triple A Capital Ltd over Sh1.25 billion from KPC’s account, claiming it was a refund for a payment to Export Development Canada. However, prosecutors allege no such payment had been made to the Canadian agency.
Critical testimony came from Caleb Olall, a former KPC board member, who told the court that the company’s board never approved the borrowing of Sh2 billion from Triple A Capital Limited. Olall testified that the board was not given proper documentation about the proposed borrowing arrangement.
“The board was never given the terms of the proposed borrowing or any bids/evaluation report to adjudicate, despite several requests by board members to KPC management,” Olall testified.
He further alleged that meeting minutes reflecting board discussions “could have been doctored” and did not accurately represent the board’s deliberations on the matter.
According to Olall’s testimony, there was “a lot of acrimony, bullying of board members by the board chairman and the managing director” during discussions about the Triple A Capital funding, with threats of dismissal for those who disagreed with the appointing authority.
The witness testified that KPC management failed to follow proper procedures in securing the loan, communicating with the Ministries of Energy and Finance before exhausting the board process and obtaining full board approval.
However, Olall noted that the board eventually made a “blanket approval” for the funding based on approvals already obtained from the Ministers of Finance and Energy, the fact that contract documents had been cleared by the Attorney General’s office, and that other documents like cash flow projections had been submitted to the Ministry of Energy.
The case has had a protracted history in Kenya’s courts. Ochuodho, who served as KPC Managing Director from 2003, left the company in December 2005 following the fraud allegations.
The charges were first filed in 2010, making this one of the longest-running corruption cases in Kenya’s judicial system.
Dr. Ochuodho, a former politician who represented Rangwe constituency in Homa-Bay County between 1997 and 2002, has had a varied career as a computer consultant and has worked in various capacities across East Africa, including as an ICT advisor to the Rwandan and South Sudan governments.
The case adds to a troubling pattern of leadership challenges at KPC over the years.
Other former heads of the corporation who left under controversial circumstances include Charles Tanui (corruption accusations), Selest Kilinda (alleged nepotism), George Okungu (Sh68 million fraud charges), and Dr. Linus Cheruiyot (Sh339 million fraud accusation).
The magistrate has directed that the case be mentioned on July 3, 2025, to fix dates for the defense hearing.
With the court finding that there is a case to answer, Ochuodho and Wijenje will now have the opportunity to present their defense against the charges.
The Kenya Pipeline Company, established as a state corporation to transport petroleum products from Mombasa to the hinterland through an extensive pipeline network, has been plagued by various corruption scandals over the years, undermining its critical role in Kenya’s energy infrastructure.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched as Kenya continues its efforts to combat corruption in state corporations and hold senior officials accountable for the stewardship of public resources.
Kericho Senator faces explosive claims of land grabbing, tax evasion, and money laundering following failed gag order attempt
NAIROBI, Kenya — A bitter legal battle between prominent blogger Cyprian Nyakundi and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has exploded into a full-blown corruption exposé, casting a dark shadow over one of Kenya’s most powerful political figures.
The controversy reached a tipping point on May 20, 2025, when the Milimani Law Court rejected Cheruiyot’s request for a gag order against Nyakundi, allowing the blogger to unleash a torrent of explosive allegations that have sparked widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny on the senator’s business empire.
Cheruiyot, who serves as Senate Majority Leader in Kenya’s ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, now finds himself embroiled in accusations involving systematic land grabbing, betting tax fraud, money laundering, and questionable business dealings that allegedly span multiple industries.
Court Victory Unleashes Storm of Allegations
The Milimani Law Court’s decision to lift the gag order came after finding no legal basis to restrict Nyakundi’s exposés.
The ruling rejected Cheruiyot’s bid for interim orders, allowing fresh accusations to surface in what has become a defining moment in the senator’s political career.
With the court ruling in his favor, Nyakundi wasted no time taking to social media to air a series of damning allegations that have struck a chord in a country where corruption among the political elite remains a contentious issue.
The Betting Tax Scandal
At the heart of the controversy are allegations that Cheruiyot has profited from irregularities in betting tax collections, with Nyakundi claiming that intermediaries, rather than the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), are now handling billions in public funds.
Sources allege that under the previous Uhuru Kenyatta administration, betting companies were integrated directly with KRA’s tax collection system, ensuring transparent deposits into government accounts.
However, this system was reportedly dismantled under President William Ruto’s administration, with Cheruiyot allegedly playing a key role.
Nyakundi claims Cheruiyot uses Compulynx Limited, a Kenyan technology firm in which he allegedly acquired substantial shares in 2022, to divert betting taxes for personal gain.
The company’s e-Revenue platform, originally designed for county-level revenue collection, is now reportedly used to handle betting taxes, leading to a significant drop in government revenue despite a 30% increase in betting volume over the past 18 months.
Cheruiyot has dismissed these claims, stating he “doesn’t even know how to bet,” but the allegations have doubled down on earlier accusations of the senator siphoning billions from the industry.
Systematic Land Grabbing Allegations
Among the most serious accusations are claims of systematic land grabbing in Kericho County, where Cheruiyot wields considerable political influence.
Nyakundi alleges that the senator constructed a luxurious mansion in Kamelilo, Ainamoi Constituency, on land originally designated for a coffee factory by Indian investors.
The move, according to the blogger, derailed potential economic development in the area, depriving locals of jobs and investment opportunities.
Further allegations point to Cheruiyot’s involvement in large-scale land grabs in the Kipsigis region, including Angata, Tinga Farm, Sabret Tea Estate, and Homa Line.
An anonymous source, claiming to be a former employee of West Valley Sugar Company, told Nyakundi that the senator was part of a scheme to loot public lands, displacing communities for personal or political gain.
Behind the scenes, the Senator is alleged to have facilitated the entry of Arab investors into Sony Sugar, reportedly linked to the Tayyib family, a wealthy and influential business group based in the Gulf region.
These investors are believed to have secured favorable terms not through competitive bidding, but through political connections and backdoor arrangements orchestrated by Cheruiyot himself.
The Senator’s vested interest in sugar is no longer in doubt. Sources close to the matter insist that he has established himself as a silent but powerful player in the sugar trade, quietly buying into strategic companies and ensuring he controls key supply chains in the Rift Valley and Western regions.
This revelation comes at a time when Kenya’s sugar industry is struggling with collapsed infrastructure, unpaid farmers, and deep corruption, all while state officials push forward with the privatization agenda under the guise of reform.
Insiders now fear that what’s being presented as a rescue effort is in fact a well-coordinated grab by politically connected elites. “The same people who let these factories rot are now buying them at throwaway prices using proxies,” said one industry source who requested anonymity. “And Aaron Cheruiyot is right in the middle of it.”
The accusations extend to Kevoko land in Muhoroni, now reportedly in the hands of Kipchimchim Group, a conglomerate linked to the senator.
Nyakundi claims Cheruiyot bribed Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to impeach an official who was defending the land from acquisition.
The group, which operates supermarkets and manages over 20 companies across agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, is said to have taken over West Valley Sugar Company Ltd in a handover that has drawn criticism for threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the Nyando sugar belt.
These allegations carry particular weight given the historical context of land disputes in Kericho County, where the Kipsigis community has long accused British settlers of stealing their land—a grievance that has fueled legal battles against foreign tea growers since at least 2019.
The Adani Airport Deal Connection
Cheruiyot is also linked to the controversial leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Group, a deal exposed by whistleblower Nelson Amenya.
In a televised interview, Amenya claimed Cheruiyot brokered the 30-year lease, traveling to India to negotiate with Adani Group bosses.
https://youtu.be/xBVBTUR67bA?si=pICvah_Gp3RjECYO
The senator’s legal team demanded a public apology and retraction, threatening defamation charges, but Amenya stood firm, refusing to apologize. The deal, later canceled by President Ruto following public outrage, has been labeled “daylight robbery” by critics.
Money Laundering and Business Empire
Perhaps the most damning accusation involves Sovereign Communication Ltd, a Safaricom dealership where Cheruiyot is allegedly a major stakeholder.
According to sources cited by Nyakundi, the company has been used as a front for money laundering operations.
The business, originally based at Utalii House in Nairobi, was reportedly relocated to Imara Daima after suspicions arose, with Cheruiyot allegedly firing the entire workforce to cover his tracks.
Nyakundi claims the luxurious mansion in Kamelilo was paid for through funds channeled via Sovereign Communication Ltd.
“Sovereign Communications operates as a Safaricom dealership, and was originally based at Utalii House in Nairobi. This business has long served as a discreet laundering vehicle for illicit funds. But when whispers of suspicion began circulating, the Senator panicked. He relocated the entire operation to Imara Daima, Nairobi County a move seemingly designed to avoid scrutiny.
In a desperate bid to cover his tracks, Cheruiyot fired the entire workforce at the Utalii House office. Not only was this aimed at silencing potential internal leaks, but it was also a cold effort to erase any paper trail connecting him to the suspicious financial activities.
One notable transaction further exposes the depth of this alleged scheme. The luxurious house recently posted online, which has drawn public attention, is part of the same web. The payment for this property, as I understand it, was channeled through Sovereign Communication Ltd. From there, the funds were transferred to I&M Bank, where it was processed in a way that masked its origin a classic tactic to hide the traceability of dirty money.” Nyakundi cited his source.
Additional claims point to Cheruiyot’s involvement in Stegro Tea Factory, an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) allegedly used to import goods and evade taxes, and his alleged secret ownership of shares in Sony and Nzoia Sugar Factories, positioning him as what Nyakundi calls a “sugar cartel kingpin.”
The senator’s wife, Linah Chesang, is also implicated, with reports claiming she has amassed significant wealth, including properties abroad, since Ruto’s administration took power in 2022.
Senator’s Defense Under Scrutiny
Senator Cheruiyot has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them “character assassination” and “foolish attempts to blackmail him into submission.”
Speaking on the Senate floor, he refuted claims of involvement in the Adani deal and challenged accusers to verify his travel to India, insisting he is a man of integrity who earned his wealth through hard work.
However, his past comments on corruption may undermine his defense. In 2021, Cheruiyot publicly stated that fighting corruption was the responsibility of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), not politicians—a stance that critics now point to as an attempt to deflect accountability.
The senator has challenged Nyakundi to bring his claims to court, but the mounting accusations, coupled with the court’s refusal to silence the blogger, have intensified public scrutiny.
Public Outrage and Political Implications
Public reaction has been swift and polarized. On social media, some users have expressed outrage, with one writing, “If even half of this is true, Cheruiyot should resign immediately.”
Others have cautioned against taking unverified claims at face value, with another user commenting, “Nyakundi needs to provide hard evidence, not just anonymous tips.”
The allegations come at a critical time for Kenya Kwanza’s administration, with critics arguing that Cheruiyot’s alleged actions reflect a broader pattern of corruption within the coalition’s ranks, raising questions about accountability and transparency in government.
Nyakundi’s legal team is reportedly preparing to petition for a lifestyle audit on Cheruiyot, which could further expose his financial dealings.
The blogger has promised to gather more evidence, including potential bank records and audit reports, to support his claims.
What’s Next?
As of May 29, 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)—which Cheruiyot himself once said should lead the fight against corruption—has yet to comment on the allegations.
Meanwhile, the senator’s political future hangs in the balance as public pressure mounts for an official investigation.
The Nyakundi-Cheruiyot feud has exposed the murky intersection of politics, land, and money in Kenya, raising urgent questions about accountability and transparency.
Whether these allegations will lead to concrete legal action or remain in the realm of online speculation remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the senator’s “dirty deals,” as Nyakundi calls them, have thrust him into the center of a corruption storm that shows no signs of abating.
As social media buzzes with fresh exposés and investigations loom, Cheruiyot may soon face a reckoning that could define not only his political career but also the broader fight against corruption in Kenya’s corridors of power.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s long-running corruption case involving Sh505 million may soon conclude through an out-of-court settlement, following formal negotiations with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
During proceedings at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday, defense lawyers informed Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki that they had formally written to DPP Renson Ingonga on April 25, 2025, seeking an alternative resolution to the criminal trial that has dragged on since 2018.
“We have held several meetings and deliberations with the DPP and EACC following the letter,” the defense team told the court.
“We believe the negotiations are at an advanced stage and anticipate a conclusion within a month.”
The defense requested an adjournment to allow settlement talks to be finalized, proposing a mention date of July 1, 2025, to update the court on the negotiations’ progress.
In a significant revelation, Obado and his 26 co-accused disclosed that they had already settled two other asset recovery lawsuits out of court.
These cases, previously pending before the High Court, involved unexplained wealth and proceeds of crime worth Sh1.9 billion and Sh73 million.
The settled cases implicated Obado, his four children, businessman Jared Peter Oluoch Kwaga, and associated companies.
According to court submissions, they agreed to pay a total of Sh253 million, which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) accepted as a fair settlement.
State prosecutors confirmed receipt of the April letter and acknowledged ongoing discussions between the Office of the DPP, EACC, and defense counsel aimed at terminating the case through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“The plea bargain process initially began in October 2024, but negotiations stalled. They have now resumed, and we confirm they are progressing,” the prosecution stated, adding that they had requested further clarification from EACC on May 6 regarding issues raised by the defense.
The EACC representative expressed willingness to participate in the ADR process, provided negotiations adhered to the legal framework outlined in Sections 137A–137O of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Seven years with little progress
Magistrate Ondieki, in his ruling on the adjournment request, noted the case’s troubled history.
Filed in 2018, the trial has faced numerous delays including a magistrate transfer and language barriers affecting some of the accused.
In the seven years since the trial began, only one witness has testified and is yet to complete their testimony.
Obado also cited his ongoing separate murder trial, in which he is accused of killing his former lover Sharon Otieno, as another reason to postpone proceedings.
The corruption case involves Obado, his four children, and numerous co-accused in allegations of misappropriation of public funds amounting to Sh505 million during his tenure as Migori Governor.
The court granted the adjournment, with the case scheduled to be mentioned on July 1, 2025, when parties are expected to update the court on the settlement negotiations.
A nominated Member of Parliament from the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, Joseph Hamisi Dena, faces potential imprisonment following allegations of involvement in an extensive money laundering scheme that has siphoned millions of shillings from taxpayers.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a comprehensive investigation into Dena and several associates for allegedly using multiple companies as vehicles for money laundering activities involving government agencies.
The probe centers around suspected collusion between the MP and Antony Muhanji, a former senior officer at a prominent government parastatal based in Kenya’s Coast region.
The investigation encompasses allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.
In a letter dated July 4, 2024, the EACC summoned Dena and two other directors, Mercy Mterere and Joseph Kingwangu Safarry, regarding allegations of conflict of interest and abuse of office.
The companies under scrutiny include Stone Contractor, Escalate Group C, Harbour Contractors (K) Limited, Kitengela Aqua Fish Farm Limited, Citiport Engineering (K) Limited, and Idealyic Company Limited.
Financial records reveal suspicious transactions involving substantial sums. m
An Equity Bank account associated with one of these companies received Ksh 66,820,174 between February and October 2021. m
Similarly, a Cooperative Bank account received Ksh 42,737,504 between January 2018 and 2019.
The investigation has extended to include some of Dena’s relatives, specifically Gliny Joseph Dena and George Shuma Dena, who have been linked to the scheme.
According to intelligence reports, these companies, through their directors and proxies, are suspected of engaging in money laundering and tax evasion in their dealings with government agencies.
In a particularly suspicious arrangement, one company received 99 percent of its deposits from a single government agency—its only customer.
A comparison between bank deposits and declared income revealed that one of the companies understated its income in 2021 by Ksh 58,817,755. The EACC estimates that approximately Ksh 17,645,326 in income tax and Ksh 9,410,841 in VAT remain unpaid.
This is not the first time these individuals have faced legal scrutiny.
In 2022, the EACC sued Muhanji in an effort to recover over Ksh 78 million, a case in which Dena was also implicated.
Court documents alleged that Muhanji, while serving as a project manager, awarded a contract for excavation and concrete work to his own company without disclosing his directorship.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that Dena has recently moved funds in an apparent attempt to evade authorities.
Documents also suggest that the MP has leveraged his influence to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts where he is not officially registered as a signatory.
The EACC’s investigation is ongoing, with particular focus on potential tax evasion as the commission works with the Kenya Revenue Authority to examine financial records associated with Dena and his business associates.
The legal woes of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu have deepened as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) seeks to seize assets worth Ksh 1.9 billion, which the ex-governor is unable to account for.
The anti-graft body is also awaiting approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to bring fresh charges against Waititu over fraudulent tenders amounting to Ksh 50 million.
Waititu, who served as Kiambu Governor between 2017 and 2020, risks losing a vast portfolio of properties, including three multi-storey buildings in Nairobi’s Central Business District, a luxurious maisonette in Runda Grove valued at Ksh 96 million, and several other high-value properties in Lucky Summer and Migaa.
The EACC alleges that these assets were acquired through corrupt dealings during his tenure as Kabete MP and later as Kiambu Governor.
According to the EACC, Waititu amassed his wealth through kickbacks from lucrative tenders, with bank deposits totaling over Ksh 800 million traced to him during this period.
The commission has filed an application to freeze the assets to prevent their disposal before seizure. Among the properties listed are the Jamii Bora building on Koinange Street (Ksh 200 million), Delta Hotel on University Way (Ksh 380 million), and Biashara Shopping Mall (Ksh 110 million).
The anti-graft agency further claims that Waititu orchestrated his illicit wealth through a network that included his wife, Susan Wangari, and several companies linked to the family.
The EACC is seeking to recover Ksh 928.8 million from Waititu and Ksh 282.9 million from his wife.
Companies under scrutiny include Saika Two Estate Developers, Bienvenue Delta Hotel, and Bins Management Services Ltd, which are alleged to have received illicit funds.
In one of the most damning allegations, the EACC accuses Waititu of using a forged introductory letter from China Wu Yi to fraudulently secure a roads contract worth Ksh 588 million in Kiambu County. A witness from China Wu Yi has since testified that the company’s letterhead was forged.
Last Thursday, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court sentenced Waititu to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 53 million for corruption-related offenses linked to the Ksh 588 million roads tender.
His wife, Susan Wangari, was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Ksh 500,000 for dealing with suspect property.
Other individuals convicted in the case include former Chief Officer for Roads Luka Wahinya, who was sentenced to seven years in prison or a fine of Ksh 21 million, and Charles Chege, the director of Testimony Enterprises Ltd, who received an 11-year sentence or a fine of Ksh 297 million.
In accordance with the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, all convicted individuals have been barred from holding public office for 10 years.
Waititu becomes the second former governor to be convicted of corruption after former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.
The EACC has taken nine former governors to court, with seven of them facing active cases, including Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Mike Sonko (Nairobi), Okoth Obado (Migori), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), and Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a).
The commission’s investigations revealed that Waititu’s wealth, frozen by the courts since 2022, was accumulated through irregular tenders, with kickbacks channeled through companies registered under his wife’s and daughter’s names.
In a separate case involving Ksh 50 million, the EACC has forwarded evidence to the DPP, who has recommended additional charges against Waititu.
The former governor’s downfall marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against corruption, as authorities continue to tighten the noose on graft within county governments.
The EACC’s relentless pursuit of Waititu and other high-profile figures signals a renewed commitment to accountability and transparency in public office.
As the legal battles unfold, Kenyans are watching closely, hopeful that the crackdown on corruption will restore public trust in governance and pave the way for a more equitable future.
The High Court of Kenya at Nairobi has issued urgent orders in a long-standing succession case involving the estate of the late James Kanyotu, a prominent businessman and former head of Kenya’s National Security Intelligence Service (NIS).
Kanyotu was the majority shareholder of Kangaita Coffee Estate Limited, a company that owns several parcels of prime land in Kenya. The case, which has been ongoing since 2008, has taken a new turn as the court seeks to address allegations of illegal land transfers and fraudulent dealings by respondents in the matter.
This development comes amid serious allegations against Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, and her daughter’s law firm, Wahome and Akedi Advocates, have been involved in fraudulent land deals, including forgery and the illegal issuance of title deeds.
According to sources familiar with the matter, CS Wahome has allegedly leveraged her authority to manipulate land registry processes, facilitating the production of fraudulent title deeds for properties in Nairobi.
Some of these properties are reportedly embroiled in ongoing legal disputes, while others have yet to be presented in court.
The allegations have sparked public outcry, with mounting pressure on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the claims, which now cast doubt on the legitimacy of several land transactions.
The Background: A Tangled Web of Corruption
James Kanyotu, who passed away in 2008, was the majority shareholder (99.9%) of Kangaita Coffee Estate Limited, a company that owns valuable land parcels in Kenya.
Following his death, the estate has been embroiled in a series of legal battles, with allegations of fraudulent land transfers and illegal dealings surfacing.
The latest court documents reveal that Margaret Nyakinyua Murigu, the administrator of Kanyotu’s estate, has filed an urgent application in the High Court of Kenya, seeking to reverse what she claims are illegal and fraudulent transfers of land belonging to the estate. The respondents in the case, including Joseph Muragu, George Kariithi, and others, are accused of illegally acquiring and occupying parcels of land registered under Kangaita Coffee Estate Limited.
The Role of Wahome & Akedi Advocates
The law firm of Wahome & Akedi Advocates, representing the administrator, has been at the center of this legal battle. The firm has filed a Notice of Motion seeking urgent court orders to cancel the illegal transfers and evict the respondents from the disputed land. The application is based on the grounds that the respondents fraudulently obtained registration of the land in their names, in clear violation of court orders preserving the estate.
However, sources close to the case suggest that the suit may not be as straightforward as it appears. Critics allege that the legal action could be part of a broader scheme to manipulate the legal system for the benefit of certain individuals within the estate, particularly Willy Kihara Njoki Kanyotu, one of the beneficiaries.
Njoki has previously lost several lawsuits related to the land owned by Kangaita Coffee Estate Limited, raising questions about the legitimacy of the current claims.
The Police Investigation: A Trail of Fraud
The scandal has also caught the attention of the DCI). In a letter dated 11th December 2024, the DCI confirmed that investigations had revealed that an advocate, Joseph Waithaka Kahari, had fraudulently sold parcels of land belonging to Kangaita Coffee Estate Limited.
The DCI recommended that Kahari be charged with intermeddling with the properties of a deceased person, contrary to Section 45(1) of the Law of Succession Act.
Despite the DCI’s recommendation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has yet to take action, leading to accusations of a cover-up. The delay has frustrated efforts by the estate to recover its property, further fueling suspicions of high-level corruption.
The Bigger Picture: Corruption in the Lands Ministry
This case is not an isolated incident. The latest revelations add to the growing body of evidence pointing to systemic corruption within Kenya’s lands ministry, where powerful individuals and well-connected law firms allegedly collude to manipulate land records for personal gain.
The Defendants: Legitimate Buyers or Victims of a Scam?
The respondents in the case, who are accused of illegally occupying the land, claim to have purchased the parcels “for value” and hold genuine land ownership documents. They argue that they are being unfairly targeted in a scheme orchestrated by Willy Kihara Njoki Kanyotu, who has a history of losing legal battles over the same land.
This raises a critical question: Are the defendants legitimate buyers who acted in good faith, or are they unwitting participants in a larger fraud orchestrated by individuals within the estate? The court’s decision in this case will have far-reaching implications for land ownership and the rule of law in Kenya.
Court Orders and Urgent Application
On 31st January 2025, Honorable Justice P.M. Nyaundi issued orders directing that the application by Margaret Nyakinyua Murigu, the administrator of the estate, be served upon the respondents. The respondents have been given 14 days to file their responses. The matter is set for mention before Honorable Justice Riechi on 19th February 2025 for further directions.
The application, filed by Wahome & Akedi Advocates on behalf of the administrator, seeks several orders, including the cancellation of illegal land transfers, eviction of the respondents from the disputed properties, and a permanent injunction preventing the respondents from dealing with the estate’s assets. The application also requests that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Ruiru Police Station enforce the court’s orders.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife, Susan Wangari, have been found guilty in a Sh588 million graft case that began five years ago.
In a ruling delivered on the morning of Wednesday, February 12, Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki found Waititu guilty on four counts in the Ksh588 million corruption case.
“In count one, the first accused person (Waititu) is found guilty. In count two, the first accused person and Saika Two Estate Developers Limited are found guilty. In count three, the first accused person and Saika Developers Limited are found guilty,” stated the judge.
On count four, the former governor, his wife (the second co-accused), and Bienvenue Delta Hotel were also found guilty.
Judge Nzioki further found the third accused person guilty on count five, while Charles Chege Mbuthia, the fifth and eleventh accused persons, were found guilty on count seven.
“In count eight, the fourth and eleventh accused persons are found guilty. In count nine, the fourth, fifth, and eleventh accused persons are found guilty,” the judge added.
Ferdinand Waititu and his wife following the court proceedings.
The ruling followed Magistrate Nzioki’s determination that the accused had a case to answer.
Waititu, Susan Wangari Ndungu (his wife), Luka Mwangi Wahinya (former transport manager), Charles Chege Mbuthia, Beth Wangeci Mburu, Testimony Enterprises Limited, Saika Two Estate Developers Limited, and Bienvenue Delta Hotel were charged with the irregular awarding of Ksh588 million road tenders in Kiambu County in February 2018.
The accused were found to have a case to answer after 32 prosecution witnesses testified and 129 exhibits were presented.
Ferdinand Waititu and his co-accused faced separate charges, including conflict of interest, abuse of office, engaging in fraudulent practices in procurement, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and money laundering.
The US Justice Department on Monday ordered federal prosecutors in Manhattan to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.
The directive was made in a letter from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, according to multiple US news outlets.
The Justice Department argued that the indictment last fall disrupted his ability to tackle illegal immigration and violent crime, while also limiting his cooperation with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Adams had been accused of accepting campaign donations from foreign nationals and engaging in wire fraud and bribery.
He had pleaded not guilty to five charges, including bribery, conspiracy, and violations of campaign finance violations.
The mayor called the charges politically motivated, and pledged to fight them in court to clear his name.
Bove, who represented Trump in his criminal trial last year, said the Justice Department “reached this conclusion without assessing the strength of the evidence or the legal theories on which the case is based.”
The Manhattan US Attorney’s office, which initiated the case, has yet to comment.
Three days before his inauguration, Adams met Trump at his Florida golf club, continuing efforts to strengthen ties with the administration.
In the intricate web of Kenyan politics, where power is often wielded behind closed doors, one man has emerged as a linchpin in President William Ruto’s inner circle.
Farouk Kibet, a name that evokes both reverence and resentment, is the unseen force shaping the political landscape.
Despite holding no formal office or elected position, Kibet’s influence is unparalleled, earning him the moniker “Mr. Fix It.”
But who is this enigmatic figure, and how did he rise from a political foe to one of Ruto’s most trusted allies?
The Shadowy Power Broker
President Ruto and Farouk just after he had been sworn in as the President.
Farouk Kibet’s influence is felt far beyond his official title as Ruto’s personal assistant. Described as a “woodman” by State House communications advisor Dennis Itumbi, Farouk is the ultimate organizer, a man who ensures the President’s events run seamlessly.
From coordinating logistics to deciding who speaks at public functions, Farouk’s word is often final.
“You cannot access the President if Farouk says no,” Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro once remarked, highlighting Kibet’s gatekeeping role. Even Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, before his fallout with Ruto, acknowledged Kibet’s indispensability, stating that he had to go through Kibet to reach the President.
From Foe to Friend
Kibet’s journey to the heart of power is a tale of political intrigue. In 1997, when Ruto first ran for the Eldoret North parliamentary seat, Kibet was firmly in the camp of Ruto’s opponent, Reuben Chesire.
According to Isaac Maiyo, a long-time Ruto ally, Kibet was initially hostile to Ruto, even hurling insults at his camp. However, after being persuaded to switch sides, Kibet became one of Ruto’s most loyal supporters.
“We made a covenant that we would work together, and that covenant has never been broken,” Kibet once told a local newspaper in an interview. This loyalty has been tested over the years, but Kibet has remained steadfast, earning Ruto’s trust and a place in his inner circle.
The Fixer’s Methods
Farouk’s influence extends beyond logistics. He is known for his ability to read the room, spot potential allies, and neutralize threats. His sharp instincts and no-nonsense approach have made him a feared figure among politicians.
A viral video from a recent event captured Farouk cutting off Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan mid-speech and instructing him to hand over the microphone to another leader. Such actions, while controversial, underscore Farouk’s authority.
However, his methods have also drawn criticism. Gachagua, before his impeachment, accused Farouk of undermining his authority and creating a rift between him and Ruto.
“Even some of his friends, his PA, want to order me around,” Gachagua lamented.
A Man of Mystery
Despite his prominence, little is known about Farouk’s personal life. His academic background remains obscure, with few details available about his education. Yet, this has not hindered his rise. Farouk’s ability to navigate the complex world of Kenyan politics speaks to his street smarts and political acumen.
From Scandals to Survival
Ruto and Farouk (in the background) at a past function.
Farouk is no stranger to controversy. His name surfaced during the infamous National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, where he was alleged to have received funds from a suspect in the Sh791 million graft case.
However, despite calls for his interrogation, the case against him fizzled out.
Additionally, his name was mentioned in the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into the 2007-2008 post-election violence, with former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda alleging that he stormed the Eldoret Police Station at the height of the chaos.
He was also accused of tampering with witnesses in Ruto’s ICC case. Despite these, his loyalty to Ruto has not wavered, earning him both respect and fear among political circles.
The Loyal Lieutenant
Those who know Kibet describe him as fiercely loyal to Ruto. “He can die for Ruto,” said a former journalist who once interacted with Farouk regularly. This loyalty has earned him Ruto’s trust, allowing him to operate with unparalleled freedom.
Farouk’s role extends beyond politics. He is a patron of over 11 churches, organizes sports events in the Rift Valley, and sponsors needy students. These activities have endeared him to many, even as his political maneuvers attract criticism.
The Enigma Endures
As Kenya’s political scene continues to evolve, Farouk Kibet remains a figure of intrigue, his influence palpable yet his methods and motives often debated. Whether seen as a dictator of political access or a dedicated servant to the President, his story is one of transformation from a foe to a friend, navigating the intricate dance of power with an almost spectral presence in Kenyan politics.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has been arrested by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of conflict of interest and theft of public funds in the county.
The county boss is in the custody of EACC detectives in Bomet County facilitating an operation that commenced Thursday morning, targeting various premises associated with him.
“The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of conflict of interest and theft of public funds in Bomet County, where the Governor is a suspect,” said EACC.
He will later be escorted to the EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru for statement recording.
The county has been under investigation by EACC since last year over alleged fraudulent payments amounting to Ksh1.2 billion to companies reportedly owned by unnamed county officials.
Additionally, there were concerns over the improper procurement of road construction equipment worth Ksh373 million.
The probe, which began on October 24, 2024, led to the arrest and questioning of senior county officials.
The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities has resolved to conduct an inquiry into alleged malpractice within the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
The inquiry aims to investigate claims of corruption, abuse of office, tribalism, favouritism, and mismanagement, which were brought forward by a section of OAG staff. These allegations, according to the petitioners, have created a hostile work environment, affected cohesiveness, and led to mental distress among employees.
During a session chaired by Kasipul MP Charles Were, committee members noted the seriousness of the accusations but stressed the need for thorough investigations.
“The Committee has received a petition from staff protesting alleged malpractice in the Auditor General’s office and seeking our intervention,” said Were.
He explained that the petition would be forwarded to the Public Petitions Committee for detailed scrutiny.
The anonymous staffers who raised the allegations claimed that over 200 employees reportedly possess fake qualifications, including fraudulent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificates, yet no action has been taken against them.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, however, cautioned against acting on anonymous complaints, emphasizing that the law requires petitions to include names, signatures, and other identifiable details.
“The law is very clear. Petitions or complaints delivered to the National Assembly must contain identifiable details of the authors. Anonymous submissions lack credibility,” Mathenge stated.
Kamukunji MP Abdi Yusuf Hassan urged caution, noting that internal conflicts, particularly following leadership changes, often fuel such allegations in state offices.
“The Committee needs to approach this matter carefully and objectively. Mishandling it could inadvertently undermine the Office of the Auditor General,” said Hassan.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana supported the move to conduct an inquiry, emphasizing that it was the best way to establish the truth and resolve the issue.
“The Committee has the capacity to conduct a thorough inquiry to address these allegations and ensure the smooth running of the Auditor General’s office,” said Ikana.
Mandera West MP Adan Haji added that the inquiry could either expose misconduct in the OAG or clear the office of any wrongdoing.
The Committee’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding integrity and professionalism in public institutions while ensuring that allegations of malpractice are handled with fairness and transparency.
In the intricate tapestry of Kenyan politics and business, corruption has long been a pervasive issue, casting shadows over the integrity of both private and public sectors. Among the various narratives that have emerged, the story of Gloria Khafafa stands out, offering insights into how women navigate, and at times, are implicated in, the murky waters of corruption in Kenya.
Gloria Khafafa rose to prominence as the Company Secretary at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), an institution central to Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure. Her journey at KPC, however, was marred by allegations of corruption, shedding light on the gendered dimensions of graft in a male-dominated sphere.
The Kisumu Oil Jetty Scandal
In 2018, Khafafa was among several top managers at KPC who were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the Kisumu Oil Jetty scandal. This case involved the alleged misappropriation of funds during the construction of an oil jetty aimed at improving petroleum product delivery in the region. The project, initially budgeted at Sh1.9 billion, became a focal point for allegations of mismanagement and financial impropriety. Khafafa, alongside former Managing Director Joe Sang and other executives, was charged with abuse of office, engaging in a project without prior planning, and willful failure to comply with procurement laws.
The Rise and Fall
Khafafa’s ascent in KPC was not without controversy. According to reports from The Standard, she was known for her strategic alliances within the company, which reportedly helped her secure her position despite recommendations from the human resources department for her suspension over questionable qualifications.
When Ms Khafafa applied to work for KPC, she is said to have lied that she holds a CPS(K) qualification and that she was awaiting issuance of a certificate, and she had worked for six years. The position she had sought for required a candidate with eight years experience.
Records show that before Ms Khafafa was hired as a senior legal officer, she misled the Board Human Resources committee about her CPS (K) qualifications, which she did not have. Mr Tanui was informed about the matter in a memo dated March 12, 2014 signed by Rose Ng’inja of HR department, who was seeking his approval “to initiate comprehensive investigation and subsequent disciplinary action.”
When the HR department later undertook background check, they were told by the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries and KASNEB that Ms Khafafa did not have the qualifications.
Similarly, the security department also carried out investigations and — in a final report — they recommended Mr Khafafa’s suspension in a letter dated March 17, 2014, and proposed “to report this case to the police since it is a criminal offence and the accused is by profession a custodian of the law and she is well informed of the consequences of document falsification.”
Also, the Board Human Resource Committee also “directed that the management should carry out disciplinary process on Mrs Gloria Khafafa in accordance with the staff rules and regulations, for giving false information to both management and the Board on her qualifications.”
In a letter signed on behalf of Mr Tanui by Ms Ng’inja and dated March 21, Ms Khafafa was asked to “show cause” why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.
The letter to Ms Khafafa said: “It has been established that you have never attempted CPS examination conducted by KASNEB as indicated in your letter for the position.”
But Ms Khafafa was neither suspended nor reported to the police. Instead, she wrote a reply saying it was not her intention to mislead the Board: “At the time I have that statement, I was sincerely under the impression that I had obtained the requisite credits and that any anomalies in my record would be corrected in time.”
On July 3, 2014, Ms Khafafa was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee to answer charges on why she “knowingly” misled the Board and why she gave false information to the company while seeking promotion.
But the meeting set for Kenpipe Plaza on July 11 was “cancelled on the MD’s advice” — according to a Memo dated July 10, 2014.
Instead, she was promoted to act as Chief Legal Officer “until she passes her CPS (K) examinations.”
She was later confirmed to the position by the Board in September 2015 rising to become the current company secretary.
Her social media presence, filled with images of international travels, was abruptly cleared when questions about her role at KPC surfaced, hinting at the complexities of navigating corporate and legal scrutiny.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittal
The legal battles that ensued painted a picture of the challenges faced by those accused of corruption in Kenya. After years of court appearances, Khafafa and her co-accused were acquitted in a case that highlighted not only the judicial process’s length but also the intricacies of proving corruption in high-profile cases. The acquittal, as reported by Business Daily, underscored the difficulty in prosecuting corruption, especially when it involves intricate networks of business dealings and bureaucratic power.
Gender and Corruption
The case of Gloria Khafafa invites a broader discussion on gender within the context of corruption in Kenya. While women in power face the same scrutiny as their male counterparts, there’s an additional layer of societal judgment and expectation. Khafafa’s story is one of many where women have been both victims and perpetrators in corrupt practices, often navigating a system where they must prove their worth in environments not traditionally welcoming to them.
Research, such as that from Transparency International Kenya, points to the unique challenges women face in corrupt environments, including sextortion and gender-based harassment when engaging in business or politics. However, women like Khafafa also demonstrate how some manage to ascend in such systems, sometimes at the cost of ethical compromise.
Gloria Khafafa’s narrative is a microcosm of the larger issue of corruption in Kenya, where women, despite their increasing visibility in leadership, continue to grapple with systemic corruption. Her story reflects the dual reality of opportunity and peril in Kenyan institutions, offering lessons on the need for stronger anti-corruption frameworks, transparency, and gender equity in leadership roles. As Kenya continues to combat corruption, the stories of individuals like Khafafa serve as cautionary tales and calls to action for more inclusive and ethical governance.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi has vowed to expose senior officials in government ministries who have been engaging in corrupt dealings.
Sudi, an ally of President William Ruto, said he is finalising “an earthshaking” report that will expose corrupt officials, majorly heads of procurement in parastatals and ministries.
He alleged that the officials have been favouring their own companies under proxies to scoop multimillion government tenders.
“These well-known individuals are discriminating against and mistreating legit businessmen by locking them out of public government tenders despite being qualified,” he said.
“I will be calling out these culprits one by one who have our ministries in a chokehold,” he added, in a message posted on his social media pages.
Corruption is deeply entrenched in Kenya and has been synonymous with politics and public service since independence.
Corruption has become part of how public institutions work and government is full of corrupt individuals.
It’s prevalent at every level and affects access to essential services such as water, education and healthcare.
Kenya has made efforts to address corruption, but there is little political will to enforce these legal measures.
In April, the US Trade Office said American firms are losing out on business and contracts in Kenya because top government officials demand bribes.
According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, American businesses are finding it hard to secure Kenyan government contracts because senior officials seek a bribe before awarding such jobs.
The 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers said that the contracts are going mainly to foreign firms willing to pay the bribes.
This level of corruption, say the authors of the report, will cause Kenya to lose future investment from businesses and countries that shun or punish corrupt activities.
According to a survey by Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the country’s interior, health and transport ministries are the most corrupt. The survey showed that the size of the average bribe doubled in 2023.
Last year, EACC said the lack of transparency and accountability and public participation in some government projects creates a breeding ground for corruption.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has revealed how much he was getting paid in bribes from county revenue collection office during his tenure.
In an interview on a local podcast, the former Governor said he could get up to Sh80 million depending on the day’s collection going to show how deeply corruption is entrenched in the city’s administration.
Sonko said the bribe took him by shock as it came from his financial officers and was meant to buy his silence as they embarked on wanton looting. He said the trend rose his curiosity and he made the mistake of reporting this to Statehouse not knowing it would mark the beginning of his troubles as the governor.
“I used to get around Sh50 million and this used to come daily, it could even go up to Sh80 million depending on the day’s collection. I realized that the county was making a lot of money but much was getting lost to corruption so I went to report it to former President Uhuru my boss and he even called President Ruto (his deputy then) to get my story,”
“I only didn’t know I was going to dig my own grave. I had given them the clearest hint that Nairobi had money, and later Statehouse could come after me,”
Sonko says the county could make up to Sh300 million daily collections but only about Sh50 million would end up in the accounts with the rest getting looted.
following his meeting with the president, they planned to lay a trap to arrest the people behind the looting and he got wired by an intelligence operative he mentions as Mr. Mburu to get the perpetrators in action.
“They put wires on me to record all the guys when they bring the money. I recorded them the next day when they brought the money and it went on, they could bring at a times Sh50M, Sh60M even up to Sh80m and all was in cash,” He said.
Sonko then took the evidence back to Statehouse and after ascertaining, a decision was then made to digitize the revenue collection.
A trap was then laid to arrest the city hall officers behind the scheme and eventually they were caught in action by EACC and DCI officers. Sonko says he still has the video clips of the entire operation while claiming his innocence.
“I was trying to help fight corruption, I reported everything to the boss, how things turned around and my reputation tainted as the most corrupt leading to my impeachment I still don’t understand.” He said.
“But I was fixed with corruption cases and in which I’ve been vindicated and very soon Kenyans will know the truth as to how all this happened.” He added.
Sonko’s impeachment
Mr Sonko was elected as Governor of the Nairobi City County during the 2017 general elections for a term of five years.
On assumption of office, he served as Governor until December 17, 2020 when he was removed from office by way of impeachment.
Passing the resolution to remove him from office, the Senate found him guilty of plundering public resources, persistently intimidating and molesting officers of the County Executive Committee and unlawfully using public fund to pay for his daughter’s travel to New York, USA.
He was also found guilty of charges of persistently and wilfully using, publicizing and publishing abusive and unbecoming words and language as evidenced by his social media posts.
Further that he made numerous rants in which he hailed abuses and conducted himself in a manner that undermines and demeans the office of the Governor.
In a separate interview, Mr Sonko accused former President Uhuru of being behind his ouster. He said his removal from office and that of Kiambu governor Mr Ferdinand Waitutu was because they were not on good terms with the last regime.
“My impeachment and that of Waititu were politically instigated because we differed with former President Uhuru. The system introduced Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and when I refused to sign for transfer of funds to NMS – because there was no law empowering us to do so – I was impeached,” Sonko said.
He also claimed that his impeachment did not meet the required threshold since the assembly lacked the number after he allegedly took 65 MCAs to Kwale on the voting day. Mr Sonko was impeached after 88 MCAs out of 122 voted in favour of his removal.
East African Court of Justice
Sonko is challenging his impeachment in the East African Court of Justice based in Arusha.
In July 2022, Sonko filed an application before the East African Court of Justice seeking to suspend implementation of the Supreme Court decision that upheld his impeachment.
He says the decision of the Supreme Court and courts of Kenya was arrived at in an unjust manner.
Its effect, Sonko said, is to curtail his political rights and the people he represents.
He said the Presiding Judge at the High court who rendered the decision was then currently facing a disciplinary tribunal over his removal as a result of receiving bribes and influencing the decision that resulted in his removal from office.
Sonko wants the EAC court to suspend the execution of the decision by the Apex court pending a hearing and determination of the application.
Part of the complaint before the tribunal, he says, is that Chitembwe was biased and mischievous in the manner in which he handled his impeachment case.
“The determination of the proceedings before the tribunal will have a bearing on the challenged judgment of the high court culminating in this appeal,” Sonko said.
Sonko says it’s only fair if the Supreme court judgement is reviewed or set aside and heard under the circumstance that the conduct of Chitembwe would be considered.
Currently, Johnson Sakaja is faced with similar corruption allegations pointing at a traditional trend. Evans Kidero, the initial city’s boss still battles corruption cases from his days in office to date.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has found himself in the center of a complex land grabbing scandal of a 18-acre piece in Loresho valued over Sh2 billion.
According to reports, the governor finds himself in the circus of the 16-years old land tussle after offering hundreds of millions to buy the contested land from a controversial owner. It was recently featured in the news when the Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome attempted to intervene but was kicked out by the purported owner and his goons.
Nairobi businessmen Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Raja claim to own the land however former Nairobi provincial administrator Davis Nathan Chelogoi is also claiming the same piece and has been occupying it.
History of the land
As of March, three parties were dangling three different title deeds, all claiming ownership of the same property. The courts have dealt with the authenticity of two of the titles and concluded that the one held by Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Amritlal Raja is genuine. Judges dismissed the one of Jacob Juma, who died in 2016. Juma’s widow and administrator of his estate, Miriam, says she will take the matter to the Appellate Court.
Slain businessman Jacob Juma assassinated in 2016.
She is represented by city lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi. Then there is the third and most recent title held by Mr Chelogoi.
Ashok bought grabbed land
Deep in the scandal, court documents seen by Kenya Insights show businessman Ashok had bought the controversial land from other fraudulent businessmen.
Mr. Shah Kirankumar Dharamshi and Mr. Dipti Kiran Shah were charged before the chief’s magistrate court in kibera on 15/10/2008 with the offences of forging a title deed (forgery) contrary to section 350(1) of the penal code, making a false document without authority contrary to section 357 of the penal code and obtaining 33,000,000 from yourself Ashok Shah by falsely pretending they were in a position to sell you the land in question contrary to section 313 of the penal code.
Sakaja
According to reports by a local newspaper, governor Sakaja had entered into a deal with Mr. Chelogoi to buy from him the contested land for Sh900 million. The deal was made on April 18, 2023 and through Sakaja’s company Ayoti Ltd.
At the time Sakaja was making the deal, the property was a subject of a court dispute and as Mr Chelogoi who in the agreement is referred to as the vendor had already filed an application for joinder as an interested party in a case pitting Ashok Shah and Hitenkumar Raja against Juma.
The application made on Aug 3, 2022 raises eyebrows as to why the governor entered into a deal with Chelogoi knowing well the matter was before the court.
The amount agreed (Sh900M) was also half the current market value begging the question why and the speed.
According to the registrar’s records seen by Kenya Insights, Ayoti Ltd was incorporated on January 13, 2020 and has not declared a physical location, according to Business Registration Service records.
The governor is the sole shareholder with 10 shares. He is also the only director.
Ayoti Ltd records.
In March, a Milimani Court directed that Chelogoi be charged for the offence of fraudulent acquisition of a Multi-billion shillings property located at Loresho, Nairobi.
Trial Magistrate Dolphina Alego said Chelogoi has never appeared in court to take plea as directed.
She said the court will visit Chelogoi either in hospital as claimed by his defense lawyer or wherever he will be for the purpose of plea taking.
The Magistrate said the application made by defense counsel professor Tom Ojienda on grounds that his client is unwell and subsequent production of medical documents can no longer be entertained by the court.
Chelogoi has been fighting over the ownership of the land since 2009 but lost the fight when the Environment and Land Court ruled that it was grabbed by late businessman Jacob Juma in 2008.
The court ruled in 2022 that Juma, who died in May 2016, obtained documents to the land fraudulently.
The latest lend scandal adds to the many allegations of corruption that has marred the governor who has only been in office for two years. He has been accused of allegedly siphoning county funds and buying off properties overseas including the U.S. and Dubai.
Questions have been raised as to how he has been able to raise billions enough to buy such properties given his salary that doesn’t come close to buying a sensible fraction of what he owns.
In related matters, others are now questioning the legitimacy of wealth accumulated by public officials who seek to be in a rush to amass wealth, “Cabinet Ministers and Governors earns about Kshs. 2m per month; total Kshs. 120m in Five Years. That is the maximum they’ll earn in FIVE YEARS. But in less than two years in office, Ministers & Governors are buying multi-billion properties locally & abroad. When will EACC arrest them?” Lawyer Donald Kipkorir posed.
Former Presidential candidate Prof Ole Kiyapi termed the accumulation as theft, “Such primitive accumulation of wealth (blatant theft) by public officials is an indictment on the Kenya soul – EACC operates peripherally, unable to dig deep and route our official corruption. Deals orchestrated through scandalous procurements is our bane! Ain’t rocket science!”
In the shadowy world of tendering processes, where big money is at stake, clandestine dealings often lurk beneath the surface, hidden by a web of deception.
Such was the case in Kenya, where a web of corrupt dealings involving Israel’s largest construction firm, Shikun & Binui Ltd., and state officials was woven to win local tenders.
According to the police, Shikun & Binui Ltd., previously owned by billionaire Shari Arison – Israel’s richest woman, engaged in a Sh15 billion bribery scheme to secure road contracts worth billions of shillings by bribing Kenyan officials.
In May 2019, the Lahav 443 Unit, which deals with fraud investigations, stated that after a year-long investigation they had gathered sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to recommend prosecution on bribery charges against the company and Ms Arison.
“There is substantial evidence against Shikun & Binui Company Ltd. and against a number of senior employees,” a police statement said.
The company is said to have paid the bribes directly or through other companies, including AG SBI, a Swiss private company owned by Shikun & Binui Ltd.
The police suspected that between 2008 and 2016, the company paid bribes to foreign public employees in Africa in an organized fashion, to increase its profits.
Seized documents
The investigation began in February 2018.
Several senior employees of Shikun & Binui, including those who had left the company, were detained while the police searched offices, and seized documents and computer materials.
The police noted that the investigation was extensive and complex and involved hundreds of investigative activities in Israel and around the world.
A total of 50 suspects were questioned, and the testimonies of 34 witnesses were taken.
Parallel to the investigation, Kenya’s anti-corruption authority and the Israeli police conducted two investigations, which culminated with the arrests of 19 Kenyan public workers.
Ms Arison, who sold her controlling stake in Shikun & Binui in 2018, underwent nine hours of police questioning regarding her involvement in the scheme.
She and one of her senior advisers were prohibited from leaving Israel or contacting anyone connected to the investigation.
The interrogation came just two months after Ms Arison sold her stake to US-Israeli real estate investor Naty Saidoff for $307 million – a price 14% lower than the stock value, which analysts attributed to the bribery suspicions.
The billionaire, however, stated that the sale aimed to diversify investments.
Shares of Shikun & Binui declined 23% in the 12 months before the sale as the company contended with the bribery investigation.
Millions of shekels
According to the evidence collected, in Kenya alone, where the investigation focused, bribes totalling tens of millions of shekels were paid.
After the investigation, the police found evidence implicating several workers in bribery, falsification of corporate documents, conspiracy to commit a crime, obstruction of legal proceedings, money laundering, and misleading reporting under the Securities Law.
The investigation file was then forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
After more than two years, in November 2021, the State Attorney decided not to indict Ms Arison in the bribery affair, stating that there was no evidence that she was aware of such bribery offences being committed by her company officials.
Shikun & Binui and its executives were, however, found guilty of the offences.
Subsequently, it was reported that the company was engaged in advanced talks with the State Attorney’s office to negotiate a deal regarding the offences.
Under the deal, Shikun & Binui was to pay a huge fine on condition that the bribery charges were withdrawn. Sources indicated the fine would amount to a record $54 million.
No further details of the case were ever disclosed.
Panic and tension has gripped Nyamira county government headquarters after the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters summoned four senior county officers over allegations of abuse of office.
The four are required to record statements over claims that they have abused their offices contrary to section 101 of the penal code.
In a letter addressed to the county secretary who is also the head of public service, the DCI wants the four to appear in their offices in Nairobi to assist and facilitate the agency with allegations of abuse of office.
Those summoned are officers working in department of Finance and Accounting namely, Dominic Barare who is the Chief officer in the department of Finance and Accounting, Purity Nyamboga the Head of county treasury, Geoffrey Kiriago who is the Director Human Resource) and Brian Nyabeo the Acting payroll manager.
In a letter which was signed by A Shuria of behalf of the Director of Criminal Investigations dated February 5, 2024 it read: “The office of the DCI is investigating an allegation of abuse of office contrary to Section 101 of the penal code. To facilitate our investigations kindly direct the following officers to appear at the DCI headquarters ECCU office first floor Block room 12 and record statements in relation to their said allegation”.
The officers in questions are supposed to appear before the DCI between February 12 and February15, 2024.
The officers were summoned two weeks after the county chief of staff Dennis Onsarigo resigned citing high level of corruption in the county government of Nyamira.
Dennis Onsarigo Resignation
In his resignation letter, Onsarigo had claimed that the Treasury department was riddled with rampant corruption and he had chosen to resign because he never wanted to be part of government which was embracing and glorifying corruption.
In his resignation letter dated January 24 2024, a copy of which is in possession, Onsarigo narrates a number challenges he encountered in the course of discharging his duties as chief-of-staff before deciding to call it quits.
The letter also exposes the rot in the county government of Nyamira which is run singlehandedly by the county boss.
In the three-page letter addressed to the governor, Onsarigo outlined the social and economic evils which were being committed in the government which he wanted the governor to address but he had failed to heed to his advice.
He cited the numerous complaints and allegations by parents from the county that whenever their children were seeking jobs in the county government, they had to part with bribes in order for them to secure the jobs, complaints which the governor had given a deaf ear.
Onsarigo confessed that he had made efforts to meet the governor so that he can brief him about the challenges in his administration but the governor chose to ignore him.
“As you may be aware, I have made several attempts, more than six times, to seek audience with you to discuss an elaborate plan on how best the office of the chief- of-staff would function in the execution of your manifesto while supporting other departments in a aligning their short and long plans largely drawing their strengths from the mother manifesto, (but) unfortunately, this did not materialise,” read the letter.
“It’s unfortunate that my office had a chance to put the complete stop, the several instances where your security team including the drivers could go for months without their allowances still do despite the controller of the budget releasing the monies in their names but it ended up not getting paid,” he stated.
“It was also my desire to continuously and in confidence brief you on the largely held view by the staff in the governor’s office /the county civil service that our office has suffered a deep mistrust, open rebellion and to the larger extent entertained the thought they were being used as a conduit of siphoning public funds. This widely held view that the donor funded projects monies, single sourcing of contracts among other lucrative projects are avenues to divert public funds have been of grave concern to me and a chance to dispel these baseless allegations would have been possible if you had given me the much sought audience for the last one year,” Onsarigo lamented.
He also accused the governor of frustrating his efforts of improving service delivery and government relations. Onsarigo in his letter lamented that he had proposed the creation of the position of an administrator domiciled at the governor’s office, the position which was to serve the ever-ending concerns of dysfunctional office had greatly impacted on service delivery.
“The deployment of advisers to respective departments also meant to increase the governor’s presence in the departments and bring to an end the long held view of underutilisation of staff in the governor’s office. Unfortunately, this just remained an idea”.
The journalist also revealed that he had envisioned an end to the uncomfortable and embarrassing instances where the governor was forced to stop at a petrol station waiting for his official vehicle to be fuelled by an accounting officer who could not be reached on phone despite his ever ending steps of reprimanding of the officer.
“This stands out as perhaps the most agonising and low moment I experienced as your chief-of-staff,” he told Governor Nyaribo in the letter.
“It is extremely painful as well that a plan to put measures aimed at making your personal comfort and security my utmost priority came a cropper, plans including and not limited to making available for your use an alternative vehicle, an extra bodyguard because you have only been operating with one for more than five months, fatigue notwithstanding, fuel cards and resources for structured servicing and fuelling failed drastically in what appeared to be internally engineered and okayed strategy where money to be accrued from these services and interventions unfortunately placed your life and comfort at risk. It is regrettable!” he revealed and exposed the weakness of the governor and challenges he was undergoing in his administration.
Onsarigo further revealed that despite the dedication and hard work from their team, it had become clear that the obstacles they were facing were beyond his immediate control and therefore his continued presence as the chief of staff was regrettably not conducive to the progressive they had desired.
“I expressed my fears to you not once but severally that it will get into a point where I will be viewed as incompetent not because of incompetence sake but a regime unwilling to accommodate new and bold ideas and one that is captive to a past riddled with self-engineered setbacks”.
It is now emerging that Onsarigo was imposed by Raila to the county government of Nyamira and that was why the governor had no space for him.
Sources close to Nyaribo confided to us that the governor viewed Onsarigo as a spy for Raila and that was why he never allowed him to know more about his government.
Ideally, the chief-of-staff is supposed to be the accounting officer in the governor’s office but the governor ignored Onsarigo and gave the mandate to Mwecha Nyasimi who is also a chief officer in the department of agriculture.
In his ending remarks he said, “It is my hope that my departure will allow for a fresh perspective and renewed momentum towards achieving the shared goals that have driven us. Nyamira county remains my home and I shall come back in the near future to serve our people in a different capacity and under different circumstances”.
