Kitui County is among nearly 30 devolved units currently under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged financial mismanagement and irregular payments.
The investigations follow cases forwarded by the Senate Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), which identified more than 100 matters requiring EACC action. These include failure to adhere to proper accounting practices, payments outside the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), abuse of the imprest process, and weak internal controls in managing Own Source Revenue (OSR).
Other issues highlighted involve unauthorized payments to the Council of Governors (CoG), repeated voidance of transactions without justification, stalled capital-intensive projects, inadequate internal audits, and payment of salaries outside the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) system. Counties are also accused of irregular procurement of goods and services, compromising value for money, and outsourcing legal services at high costs despite functioning County Attorneys offices.
EACC has launched investigations in 38 counties, including Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Embu, Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, and Wajir.
In a report tabled before CPAC, the commission, led by Bishop Emeritus Dr. David Oginde, noted that investigations involving millions of shillings have already been completed in Bungoma, Bomet, Garissa, Kiambu, and Marsabit. For example, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati faces court charges over KSh70.2 million allegedly embezzled through fraudulent tenders, while Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has been arraigned over KSh151.22 million in disputed payments.
Although investigations in Kitui and other Lower Eastern counties are ongoing, the EACC has confirmed that files involving alleged irregular payments and mismanagement are under active review.
CPAC Vice Chairperson Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) expressed concern over the rampant corruption across counties, urging the commission to hold offenders accountable. “There is rampant corruption in nearly all counties, and this is a concern to us. There is no way you can spend money and fail to prove how you spent it,” Mwaruma said.
Okong’o Mogeni (Nyamira) added that instead of providing services, counties have chosen to devolve corruption.
With EACC investigations underway, residents of Kitui, Makueni, and Tharaka Nithi are watching closely, hoping the probe will enforce accountability and curb financial mismanagement in the Lower Eastern region.
