Kenyan governors named in the list of shame

From left: Meru Governor Peter Munya, Isaac Ruto (Bomet) and Joseph Nanok (Turkana) who have been mentioned in connection with corrupt deals.

At least 14 governors have been named in EACC's report linking them to various graft allegations in their respective counties.

Governors who have appeared in the list include: Isaac Ruto (Bomet), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Samuel Tunai (Narok), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Joseph Nanok (Turkana), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Nadhif Jamah (Mandera), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), Okoth Obado (Migori), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Peter Munya (Meru) and Yatani Ukur (Marsabit).

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto

The Council of Governor Chair is said to have imensely accumulated wealth including 40 earth movers/tippers/graders all estimated at Sh400 million, chopper estimated at Sh300 million. He bought a palatial house in Ngong worth Sh33 million. He operates numerous petrol service stations.

Other allegations against him are that the County Government hired ambulances at a monthly cost of Sh650,000 each. The ambulances were acquired from the Kenya Red Cross through single sourcing.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been named in an inquiry into allegations of procurement irregularities by officers of the County Government in the signing of an MOU with Foton East Africa. It is alleged that he signed a deal worth Sh4.6 billion in a plan to launch the Metro Transportation System and the process is suspected to have been flawed.

It is also alleged that before he left Mumias Sugar Company, Kidero processed legal fees of Sh300 million for services rendered to the company. The payment is alleged to have been paid to Mr Ojienda’s personal account held by the contracted firm of Ojienda & Co. advocates.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho

It is alleged that the Mwembe Tayari Market, which is a designated public market and whose foundation stone was laid by the first President of the Republic of Kenya in 1965 has been grabbed by Mr Bawazir and Zubedi. The grabbing was allegedly facilitated by the Governor, who authorised the demolition of the original burnt structure ostensibly to flush out muggers, drug users and criminals.  

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi

Kingi has been named in connection with the county government’s irregular procurement of Governo’rs house at Sh140 million without following procurement procedures.

Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo is facing an inquiry into irregular appointments and promotions of individuals in the county government.

Migori’s Okoth Obado faces allegations of various improprieties in County Government involving procurement and misuse of public funds; conflict of interest; and over Sh600 million.

Garissa Governor Nadhif Jama has been undergoing investigation into allegations that the county government hired eight ambulances at a monthly cost of Sh650,000 each. The ambulances were acquired from the Kenya Red Cross through single sourcing.

It is also alleged that he engaged in a project without prior planning and engaging in unplanned projects by officials of the county government.

Jamah is also being investigated for allegedly hiring a helicopter for his trip to Hulugho, Modogashe, Dadaab and Masalani in a process that was not competitive.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua faces inquiry into allegations of irregular purchase of 14 Subaru model vehicles for all county executive committee members through single sourcing that were not only overpriced but also older than allowed when purchasing Government vehicles.

Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani is facing allegations of abuse of office in the purchase of motor vehicles and fencing of county offices.

He also faces accusations of manipulation of budget and mismanagement.

Homa Bay’s Cyprian Awiti faces investigations of Sh200 million paid to an investor in respect of a proposed Agro city project without a feasibility study being conducted. This was alleged a ploy to embezzle funds as the said project has stalled and investors reportedly disappeared after funds were transferred to them.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai is facing inquiry into several allegations of irregular procurements, mismanagement of the county revenue, nepotism among other allegations labelled against him and the county officials.

Meru Governor Peter Munya faces allegations of abuse of office, as former area MP and as current governor, on fuel, service and repair of private vehicle.

Wajir County is being investigated over allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest and misappropriation of public funds by the governor. It is alleged that the governor has awarded several tenders to companies associated with himself and that implementation and management of other tenders have been irregular.

Other counties under investigation by EACC but where governors are not mentioned directly include Nyamira, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Tana River.

Graft allegations also implicate MCAs in Makueni, Kisumu, Machakos Counties.