The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday arrested four former senior Nyamira County officials over allegations of abuse of office in the recruitment of 56 staff members in the Department of Gender, Youth, Culture, and Social Services.
The suspects, who are currently detained at Kisii Central Police Station, are set to be arraigned in court today. They include:
- Peter Omwanza Ogwara – Former Nyamira County Executive Committee Member
- Beatrice Mokeira Siribah – Former Commissioner, Nyamira County Public Service Board
- Chadwick Maranga Sangara – Former Principal Culture Officer
- Geoffrey Ogeto Michira – Former Assistant Director, Administration
According to EACC, the four orchestrated an irregular hiring process marred by corruption, nepotism, clannism, and influence peddling. Investigations revealed that some of the positions filled were neither approved by the county cabinet nor accounted for in the 2016/2017 Financial Year budget.
The anti-corruption agency stated that due process was disregarded, violating principles of fair recruitment and transparency in public service appointments. “The suspects failed to adhere to ethical hiring practices, compromising the integrity of county employment,” said an EACC official.
The arrests come at a time when the recruitment processes in county governments are under increased scrutiny. Cases of irregular hiring, ghost workers, and abuse of office have been flagged across multiple counties, prompting EACC to intensify its crackdown on corruption in devolved units.
The prosecution is expected to present charges today as part of a broader effort to restore accountability in public sector recruitment. If found guilty, the suspects could face penalties, including fines and jail terms.
EACC has vowed to continue monitoring county government operations to curb corruption and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly. “We will not relent in holding public officials accountable for any abuse of office,” the commission reiterated in a statement.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to set a precedent on the enforcement of ethical hiring practices in Kenya’s county governments.
