NAIROBI, Kenya – In an anti-corruption operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has uncovered a massive embezzlement scheme involving senior officials at the National Youth Service (NYS) College, Gilgil.
The investigation, which took place on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, targeted individuals believed to have orchestrated the fraudulent activities, leading to the misappropriation of over KES 2 billion in public funds.
The suspects, including Nicholas J. Makokha, Deputy Commandant General for Operations and Logistics at NYS, and David Muthee Mbogo, the Head of Supply Chain Management at the Gilgil Paramilitary Academy, are alleged to have misused their official positions to facilitate payments for fictitious contracts and to conduct fraudulent transactions between the NYS and various companies linked to the suspects.
Other individuals involved in the alleged scheme include Joseph Maina Kagiri, the Camp Accountant at the Gilgil Academy, as well as several close family members and proxies, such as Felista Wanjiru Wandugi, Winfred Cherotich Towett, and Elias Muthee, who is the brother of David Muthee Mbogo.
The EACC’s search operation, conducted at the residences and offices of the implicated officials, was based on court orders and formed part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of procurement fraud, conflict of interest, and abuse of office.
It is believed that the accused individuals managed to embezzle funds through a series of collusive dealings, which occurred over a period spanning from the 2019/2020 to the 2024/2025 financial years.
The funds, which are reported to have been paid under dubious circumstances, amount to a staggering KES 2 billion.
The EACC’s investigation reveals that these payments were made under false pretenses, with the accused individuals using their positions to profit at the expense of the taxpayer.
After the operation, the suspects were escorted to the EACC’s Integrity Centre in Nairobi, where they are assisting in the ongoing investigation by providing statements.
The EACC emphasized that the operation had yielded crucial evidence that would be used to continue the probe and strengthen their case.
The Commission has warned that those found guilty of embezzling public funds will face legal action, with the possibility of prosecution and the recovery of any illicitly obtained wealth.
The ongoing investigation highlights the EACC’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within government institutions.
“We will continue to follow the law and pursue the truth in this case. We will not tolerate any form of corruption that undermines public trust and the efficient use of taxpayer money,” said the EACC in its statement.
The investigation into the NYS embezzlement scandal is yet another example of the EACC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and improve governance in Kenya.
The Commission has called on the public to support its initiatives by reporting any suspicious activity related to corruption.
As the inquiry progresses, the EACC has promised to take decisive action against any public officials found guilty of misconduct, assuring the Kenyan people that justice will be served.
