The High Court has approved the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (EACC) request to seize unexplained assets worth Ksh91,202,892 from former Machakos County Executive Committee (CEC) member Urbanus Wambua Musyoka. The court found that these assets were acquired through corrupt practices while Musyoka served in the county government between January 2014 and July 2021. The assets include a residential building valued at Ksh80,251,815 and Ksh10,951,077 in cash held across two bank accounts.
Investigations revealed that Musyoka, who served as CEC for Agriculture, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, benefited from fraudulent tenders awarded to companies owned by his close relatives and associates, totaling Ksh457,047,214.80. As the sole signatory of the company accounts, he was deemed the beneficial owner of these funds. Additionally, the companies failed to pay KRA taxes amounting to Ksh181,722,145. Musyoka and his co-accused were arrested in November 2023 and faced multiple charges including conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, and fraudulent procurement practices, all of which they denied.
The ruling marks a significant step in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the judiciary’s support for the EACC’s mandate to recover misappropriated public funds. With a second recovery suit valued at over Ksh450 million still ongoing, authorities stress continued vigilance in combating corruption. EACC officials emphasized that the move sends a clear signal that misuse of public resources will face legal consequences, reinforcing the accountability of public office holders.