EACC Arrests County Chief Officer, Five Directors Over Ksh17.5 Million Tender Scandal

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Kitui County Chief Officer and five company directors over alleged conflict of interest and procurement irregularities involving contracts worth Ksh17.48 million.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the commission said the arrests followed investigations into the award of county contracts valued at Ksh17,484,484.49.

According to EACC, Gladys Mami Kivoto, the Chief Officer in the Kitui County Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, allegedly engaged in trade with the county government through five proxy companies.

The companies named in the investigations are Shanel Construction Company Ltd, ECO Stone Company Limited, AZ Links Company Ltd, DTK Construction Company Ltd and 4-Walls Company Ltd.

EACC said the firms received a total of Ksh14,115,916.30 from Kitui County between the 2018/2019 and 2024/2025 financial years.

Chief Officer Linked to Alleged Conflict of Interest

Investigators said Kivoto served as both Chief Officer and AIE holder in the Departments of Irrigation and Agriculture and Fisheries during the period when the contracts were awarded.

The commission alleged that she awarded contracts and approved payments to the companies linked to her.

Investigations also found that some of the company directors are close relatives of Kivoto.

According to EACC, Josephine Mwikali Wambua, Director of Shanel Construction Company Ltd, Makoma Wambua, Director of AZ Links Company Ltd, and Emmanuel Wambua, Director of ECO Stone Company Limited, are related to the county official.

The commission further said financial records showed money transfers between Kivoto and the directors of DTK Construction Company Ltd and 4-Walls Company Ltd.

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DPP Approves Prosecution

EACC said it forwarded the investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved the prosecution of nine suspects.

The suspects face charges that include conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime and engaging in corrupt procurement practices.

The commission confirmed it arrested the following suspects:

• Gladys Mami Kivoto – Chief Officer, Agriculture and Fisheries.
• Josephine Mwikali Wambua – Director, Shanel Construction Company Ltd.
• Roselyne Kyambi Kilonzi – Director, Shanel Construction Company Ltd.
• Mary Mueni Mbiti – Director, DTK Construction Company Ltd and 4-Walls Company Limited.
• Jonathan Kivondo Kieti – Director, DTK Construction Company Ltd.
• Onesmus Munyao Nzioka – Director, ECO Stone Company Limited.

EACC said the suspects are expected to appear before the Kitui Law Courts.

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Three More Suspects Wanted

The anti-graft agency also directed three individuals believed to have gone into hiding to report to its Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos or the nearest EACC office for processing.

• Makoma Wambua – Director, ECO Stone Company Limited.
• Emmanuel Wambua – Director, AZ Links Company Ltd.
• Stella Nthenya Kioko – Director, AZ Links Company Ltd.

EACC Calls for Accountability

The commission said it remains committed to protecting public resources and ensuring those involved in corruption face justice.

“The Commission remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable.”

EACC also urged state agencies and public institutions to strengthen compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025.

“The Commission further calls upon all State organs and public entities to strengthen compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, by instituting effective measures for the declaration, management, and prevention of conflicts of interest among public officers.”

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AI-generated image of a man in handcuffs during an arrest, used for illustration purposes only. PHOTO/AI