EACC Raids Nyamira Governor Nyaribo in Sh382M Probe

 

A tense atmosphere gripped Nyamira County this morning, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers conducted coordinated raids on the homes and offices of Governor Amos Nyaribo and four senior county officials, probing an alleged Sh382 million irregular tender for the construction of county offices. The operations, launched at dawn across Nairobi, Kisii, and Nyamira, resulted in the seizure of several documents linked to the misuse of county funds, escalating an investigation that has been building for months. The raids, executed under court-issued warrants, signal a renewed push against graft in devolved units, with the EACC vowing to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud. "We are committed to rooting out corruption wherever it hides," an EACC spokesperson said outside the governor's Nairobi residence. The development has stirred a wave of public interest and concern, amid Kenya's Sh10 trillion national debt and 5.5% inflation.

The probe centers on the award of a Sh382 million contract to Spentech Engineering Limited for the construction of the Nyamira County headquarters, with allegations that payments exceeded the value of work completed and that the tender process bypassed competitive bidding requirements. Governor Nyaribo, who assumed office in 2022 following the death of his predecessor John Nyagarama, and the four officials—believed to include county executives and procurement officers—are accused of colluding to favor the firm, potentially inflating costs and diverting public resources. The EACC's actions, including searches at Nyaribo's residences in Nairobi, Kisii, and Nyamira, yielded computers, files, and financial records, which investigators say will aid in tracing the money trail. A farmer in Nyamira, tending his tea bushes near the county offices, remarked, "If they misused our taxes for this building, we deserve to know the truth." 

Public response has been a blend of outrage and calls for accountability. In Kisumu, a teacher preparing lessons for her students caught the news on her radio and said, "Corruption in counties hurts the poorest; this raid is a step forward." The investigation also encompasses claims that Nyaribo irregularly authorized Sh18 million in personal payments, including Sh5 million in ex gratia and Sh3 million in house allowances, adding to the gravity of the probe. The coordinated raids, involving over 20 officers, were described as swift and professional, with no resistance reported. A youth leader in Naivasha, organizing a community forum, added, "This shows the EACC means business; let's see arrests next." The case tests devolution's integrity. 

The morning’s operations drew diverse reactions. In Thika, a mother preparing breakfast for her children said, "Nyamira's governor was supposed to help; this is disappointing." In Baringo, a herder tending cattle noted, "Tender scandals are common; finally, someone is acting." The EACC's focus on the county headquarters project, stalled despite payments, highlights irregularities in procurement, a persistent issue in devolved governments. The commission's warrant, obtained last week, empowered the raids, with officials detained for questioning. A driver in Garissa, fueling his matatu, remarked, "If they recover the money, it could build schools instead." The probe reflects anti-corruption momentum. 

As the day progressed, the story reached remote areas. In Marsabit, a community elder listening to a radio update said, "Our counties need clean leaders; this is a warning." In Mombasa’s markets, a fisherman packing nets asked, "Will this lead to more raids?" The EACC plans to charge the suspects soon, with the investigation extending to contractors and bank records. Nyaribo's administration, marked by internal conflicts since 2022, has faced prior scrutiny, including a 2024 Senate probe into mismanagement. A shopkeeper in Homa Bay, preparing for the Devolution Conference, noted, "This could expose more if they dig deep." The raids underscore governance challenges. 

The morning brought a reflective mood to offices and homes. In Eldoret, a public servant preparing a report said, "Tender fraud drains our resources; this is overdue." In Kisumu, a father checking on his family added, "My relative in Nyamira hoped for better; this hurts." The Sh382 million tender, awarded in 2023, saw Sh200 million disbursed before work stalled, with EACC alleging fictitious progress reports. The governor's alleged personal payments add to the case, with the commission vowing to freeze accounts. A community organizer in Turkana, planning a radio talk, remarked, "We need justice for the people." The probe challenges devolution. 

Experts see a pivotal case. In Nairobi, an anti-corruption analyst discussing over tea said, "This could deter others if prosecuted well." The EACC's actions, backed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, aim to recover losses, with the investigation potentially expanding to other tenders. A vendor in Timau, closing his stall, said, "Let’s hope they don’t stop here." The raids, part of a 2025 anti-graft drive, follow similar probes in other counties, signaling a broader crackdown. A father in Nyahururu, walking home with his family, added, "Clean leadership is what we need." The case marks a corruption milestone. 

The day saw continued engagement across the country. In Nakuru, a group at a market debated the news. "Who else is involved?" one trader asked, sorting vegetables. In Nairobi’s cyber cafes, a student scrolling through updates noted, "Social media is calling for more arrests." The EACC plans a press update next week, while Nyaribo’s legal team prepares a defense, denying wrongdoing. A youth leader in Kitale, organizing an event, reflected, "This could clean up our politics if it sticks." As the probe intensifies, its outcome will shape public trust.