A former County Executive Member (CEC) of Machakos has been given a three-month ultimatum to deposit Ksh80,251,815 into an interest-earning account, following a stay of execution on the seizure of unexplained assets valued at Ksh91,202,892. The ruling, delivered on February 28 by Justice Musyoka of the Anti-Corruption Court, mandates that the account be jointly operated with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and opened within ninety days. Failure to comply will result in the automatic lapse of the stay order, allowing the commission to execute the judgment.
The case stems from investigations into the official’s unexplained wealth, estimated at Ksh540 million, accrued during his tenure in the Machakos County government between January 2014 and July 2021. The court identified assets including a residential building valued at Ksh80,251,815 and Ksh10,951,077 in cash held across two local bank accounts. EACC investigations revealed that the former CEC had benefitted from fraudulent tenders awarded to companies linked to his family and close associates, resulting in illicit gains of over Ksh457 million, with additional unpaid taxes of Ksh181,722,145 owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority.
The former CEC and his co-accused were arrested in November 2023 and arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court, where they denied charges including conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, and fraudulent procurement practices. The case underscores the EACC’s commitment to curbing corruption at the county level and safeguarding public resources. Another recovery suit, targeting assets worth over Ksh450 million, is ongoing in the High Court, reflecting continued efforts to hold public officials accountable for financial misconduct in Machakos County.