NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into Members of County Assembly (MCAs) accused of blackmailing governors and demanding control of county tenders, in what officials warn is fueling corruption in devolved units.
EACC Western Regional Director Eric Ngumbi said the trend has escalated into threats of impeachment and the transfer of county executives who resist the demands.
“MCAs are increasingly demanding tenders for projects in their wards and the employment of their relatives. When demands are not met, they resort to blackmail and threaten officials with impeachment or other punitive measures,” Ngumbi said on Tuesday during the opening of the Corruption Prevention Forum for Kakamega County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers.
Ngumbi revealed that the Commission is probing six ward representatives in the Western region linked to conflict of interest in tenders worth Sh144.2 million, allegedly awarded through 40 proxy companies.
In addition, eight senior county officials are under investigation for their role in fraudulent tenders valued at Sh1.4 billion issued to 38 firms tied to close associates.
He warned that such practices undermine accountability in counties and weaken the constitutional oversight role of County Assemblies.
“These practices compromise the ability of MCAs to effectively discharge oversight responsibilities over public funds, thereby worsening corruption at the county level,” Ngumbi added.
The EACC has also cautioned MCAs and county officials against breaching the new Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, signed into law last month by President William Ruto.
Under the law, those found culpable risk being barred from seeking elective office or holding public positions.
Ngumbi further raised concern over counties diverting funds approved by the Controller of Budget into fictitious payments, failure to remit statutory deductions for staff, and the abuse of bulk imprests withdrawn in cash using forged documentation.
The Commission has promised arrests will follow once investigations are concluded.
