By CourtNews Staff Reporter | Nairobi, October 5, 2025
In a dramatic late-night operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested former Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Director General Philemon Kandie at his Nairobi residence on Friday, October 3, over alleged corruption and financial mismanagement.
According to sources within the EACC, anti-graft officers raided Kandie’s home shortly before midnight, seizing laptops, phones, and crucial documents believed to be linked to suspicious payments made during his tenure. He was later taken to Integrity Centre for interrogation.
The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into the diversion of millions of shillings from rural road projects through alleged shell companies connected to Kandie’s associates.
“The operation was coordinated and intelligence-led. We are pursuing several leads on the misuse of KeRRA funds,” said an EACC insider familiar with the probe.
EACC’s Focus on Missing Funds
Investigators are probing how public funds meant for rural infrastructure development were allegedly siphoned off through inflated contracts and ghost projects. Several firms that received payments reportedly shared directors or bank accounts with known KeRRA contractors.
EACC detectives have been monitoring Kandie’s financial activities for months, gathering bank statements, procurement files, and internal communications from the road agency.
Preliminary findings suggest that some payments were transferred offshore, while others were withdrawn in cash, raising red flags with auditors.
Sudden Resignation in July Raised Eyebrows
Kandie’s resignation on July 11, 2025, came two years before the end of his contract and followed growing pressure over alleged mismanagement. His exit letter cited “personal reasons” and requested to proceed on leave, but did not mention the ongoing investigations.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport later confirmed his departure without explanation. However, insiders said the EACC had already launched a confidential inquiry into the misuse of road project funds.
His resignation coincided with a court petition accusing him of using KeRRA funds to support violent protests in June 2025. The petition alleged that money from procurement accounts was diverted to cover logistics for the demonstrations — a claim Kandie denied.
Possible Charges and Legal Implications
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Kandie is likely to face charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, and Penal Code.
He could be charged with:
-
Abuse of office
-
Conspiracy to defraud the government
-
Money laundering
-
Violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution
EACC investigators are expected to forward the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the coming weeks for review and possible arraignment.
Public Reaction and KeRRA’s Future
News of Kandie’s arrest sparked widespread debate online, with Kenyans demanding broader accountability across public agencies handling multi-billion-shilling infrastructure funds.
Following his resignation, Jackson K. Magondu, previously KeRRA’s Director of Planning, Design, and Environment, was appointed Acting Director General. Magondu pledged to restore transparency and rebuild public trust in the institution.
In a brief statement, the EACC confirmed the arrest and reiterated its commitment to professional investigations.
“The Commission will not relent in pursuing any individual, however powerful, suspected of stealing from the public,” said an EACC spokesperson.
Conclusion
The arrest of Philemon Kandie underscores renewed efforts by Kenya’s anti-corruption watchdog to hold senior public officials accountable. The case also highlights the systemic challenges in the management of public infrastructure funds — a sector long plagued by graft and political interference.
As investigations continue, all eyes are on the DPP and EACC to ensure that justice is served and taxpayers recover what was lost to corruption.