Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo appeared before Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday to answer questions about alleged corruption and economic crimes, including the irregular award of a 382 million shilling tender and unauthorized personal payments.
The EACC alleges that the tender for construction of new county government offices was improperly awarded to Spentech Engineering Limited and that payments to the contractor exceeded the value of work completed.
Investigators also accuse Nyaribo of authorizing 18 million shillings in unauthorized payments to himself, described as ex gratia and house allowance reimbursements.
Detectives searched Nyaribo’s residences in all three counties under court-issued warrants, along with the homes and offices of four senior officials identified as persons of interest.
The officials include Lameck Machuki Nyariki, director of housing and physical planning; Peris Mose, director of roads and former head of procurement; Asberth Maobe, chief officer for finance and accounting services; and Josphat Oruru, chief officer for roads, transport and public works.
The EACC said the officials are suspected of authorizing inflated payments to the contractor in the county offices project.
An audit found that funds disbursed were not proportional to the work done, the commission said, raising concerns over possible loss of public money.
In a statement, the EACC described the Wednesday session as part of an ongoing investigation triggered by the October searches.
“Today’s grilling follows simultaneous search operations conducted on 28th October 2025 … targeting residences and offices of several county officials identified as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation,” the agency said.
The probe comes amid broader scrutiny of county governments in Kenya, where procurement irregularities have been a persistent issue since devolution began in 2013.
It is separate from a recent impeachment attempt against Nyaribo. The Nyamira County Assembly voted to remove him last month on charges including abuse of office, but the Senate quashed the motion earlier this month on procedural grounds, allowing him to remain in office.
As of Wednesday evening, Nyaribo was still at EACC headquarters recording a statement. The governor has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The case highlights continuing efforts by the anti-graft body to hold county leaders accountable for the management of devolved funds.
