EACC Probes Embu MCAs Over KSh 95 Million Conflict of Interest Allegations
Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have intensified investigations into an alleged KSh 95 million conflict of interest scandal involving three Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Embu County.
The anti-graft agency has pitched camp at the Embu County Government headquarters, where officers are conducting a detailed probe into claims that the MCAs, in collaboration with several county officials, used companies linked to them to secure lucrative public tenders.
Preliminary findings indicate that the three MCAs are suspected to have beneficial ownership in at least 11 companies that were awarded contracts by the county government. Investigators believe the firms were used as conduits to irregularly win tenders, raising concerns over conflict of interest, abuse of office, and violations of public procurement laws.
According to EACC Central Regional Manager Japheth Baithalu, early investigations suggest that the MCAs and implicated officials may have received approximately KSh 95 million through the contested contracts.
On Tuesday, EACC detectives spent several hours at the county headquarters collecting key procurement documents, payment records, and contract files linked to the suspected companies. The materials are expected to help establish how the tenders were awarded and whether legal procedures were followed.
Baithalu stated that investigators are particularly focused on determining whether the MCAs influenced the award of the contracts and if they failed to declare their interests, as required under the law.
He added that the probe covers the period between 2018 and 2025, during which the MCAs are believed to have colluded with county officials. Documents already obtained by the commission reportedly point to a coordinated scheme between elected leaders and procurement officers.
Despite the tension sparked by the ongoing investigations, the county government has so far cooperated with EACC officers as they secure critical records.
The commission has affirmed that investigations are ongoing and warned that appropriate legal action will be taken against any individuals found culpable.
