The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into alleged misuse of public funds in Vihiga County, involving a Ksh5 million housewarming party at the County Speaker's residence. The probe was triggered by the Senate Public Accounts Committee and audit reports. Residents and civic groups have petitioned the EACC for swift intervention.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated a formal investigation into claims of public funds misuse in Vihiga County. The allegations center on the expenditure of Ksh5 million for a housewarming party held at the County Speaker's residence. This probe stems from a Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) session, where members urged the anti-corruption agency to examine financial irregularities highlighted in recent audit reports.
Additionally, the Auditor-General flagged several questionable expenditures in the county, prompting calls for accountability. In letters dated February 12 this year, the commission notified the Acting County Secretary of the Vihiga County Government and the Clerk of the Vihiga County Assembly about the ongoing investigation.
According to the letters, the commission is examining alleged unjustified lavish spending of public funds during the housewarming event. It also aims to determine whether county resources were improperly used to finance what seems to be a private function. The EACC has instructed the county government and assembly to provide original documents to aid the probe, including fund requests, borrowing approvals, transfer confirmations, and reimbursement evidence.
Moreover, it has requested procurement records, such as quotations, tender bids, evaluation committee minutes, professional opinions, award letters, signed contracts, and payment documents like invoices, IFMIS records, RTGS confirmations, and cheques related to the event.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds following claims that Ksh5 million was spent on a lavish housewarming party at the residence of the Vihiga County Speaker," the commission confirmed.
The revelations have ignited public outrage, with residents and civic groups urging the EACC to act quickly to investigate county officials and recover the funds. Should the investigation confirm improper use of public money, those responsible could face charges for abuse of office, unlawful expenditure, or violations of procurement laws.
This marks not the first instance of EACC concerns over financial management in Vihiga County. A 2019 Corruption Risk Assessment report identified vulnerabilities, including failure to remit rent deductions to the County Revenue Fund, unplanned procurement, irregular salary deductions, ghost workers, delayed imprest surrenders, and absence of internal audit committee charters, underscoring persistent governance shortcomings in the county.
