The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a major operation targeting Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo in connection with a Ksh382 million corruption scandal linked to a fraudulent county tender.
In a coordinated early morning crackdown, detectives raided Nyaribo’s homes and offices in Nyamira, Kisii, and Nairobi counties, seizing crucial documents and electronic devices believed to hold evidence of procurement fraud and embezzlement.
Ksh382 Million Inflated Tender Under Probe
According to EACC sources, the investigation focuses on an inflated Ksh382 million tender for the construction of a Nyamira County Government office complex.
The contract was awarded to a construction firm accused of receiving huge payments for incomplete and substandard work.
Preliminary valuation reports point to massive financial losses and zero value for taxpayer money.
Detectives believe the project was deliberately overpriced to facilitate kickbacks for senior county officials.
Governor Nyaribo Implicated in Irregular Payments
Investigators allege that Governor Nyaribo personally benefited from irregular payments totaling Ksh18 million.
The EACC claims he authorized:
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Ksh5 million to himself as a “voluntary payment,” and
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Ksh13 million disguised as a house allowance reimbursement,
without County Assembly approval or supporting legal documentation.
“These payments had no legal basis and were processed irregularly,” a senior investigator told CourtNews.co.ke.
Multi-County Raids and Evidence Seizure
The Wednesday morning operation targeted several county offices, including procurement, finance, and executive departments.
The raids were executed simultaneously in Nyamira, Kisii, and Nairobi, with EACC officers confiscating computers, mobile phones, flash drives, and financial ledgers.
The evidence will help trace the money trail and identify officials who may have received kickbacks.
Investigators are also examining whether fake invoices and falsified progress reports were used to justify overpayments to the contractor, even though the project has reportedly stalled after more than 70% of the funds were paid out.
Layers of Fraud and Collusion
A source close to the investigation described the scheme as a multi-layered fraud network, involving forged documentation, conflict of interest, and collusion between county executives and suppliers.
“This was not mismanagement—it was a deliberate plan to loot,” the source said.
Part of Wider Crackdown on Governors
Governor Nyaribo joins a growing list of county bosses under EACC investigation.
In August, the commission revealed that nine governors are facing corruption probes.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde said the extent of graft in devolved units remains “deeply worrying,” warning that the agency will intensify crackdowns on county-level economic crimes.
Earlier this year, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were also targeted in similar corruption probes involving inflated procurement deals.
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
Residents of Nyamira County have expressed anger over the alleged misuse of funds, citing stalled projects, poor roads, and unpaid workers as signs of deep-rooted mismanagement.
“We voted for change, not corruption,” said a resident in Nyamira town.
Governance experts say the Nyamira case underscores the urgent need for fiscal accountability in counties.
“If the EACC successfully prosecutes this case, it could send a powerful message to governors that public funds are not personal property,” said political analyst Martin Obiero.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Governor Nyaribo has not publicly commented on the raids, though insiders say he spent much of the day meeting lawyers and senior staff.
EACC has summoned several county officials for questioning, and more arrests are expected.
The commission plans to forward its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for possible criminal charges.
If found guilty, Governor Nyaribo could face removal from office, heavy fines, and a ban from holding public office.
Summary of Allegations Against Governor Amos Nyaribo
| Allegation | Amount Involved (Ksh) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inflated County Office Tender | 382 million | Contract awarded for incomplete work |
| Irregular Self-Payments | 18 million | Unauthorized “voluntary” and house allowance payments |
| Misuse of Public Funds | Undetermined | Linked to forged documents and inflated contracts |