The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has detained seven current and former Nakuru County Government officials alongside a contractor in connection with a Ksh120 million procurement fraud case.

The inquiry centers on allegations that Lorna Karamuta Mubichi, an Economist II at the county, facilitated contracts to companies owned by her husband while still in public service. The implicated firms—Denken Building and Construction Limited, Murinchamba Investments Limited, and Windcom Solutions Limited—secured 29 contracts spanning the 2020/2021 to 2024/2025 financial years, receiving payments totaling Ksh120,042,417.

Investigations revealed that Mubichi's husband, Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi, either individually or jointly with his brother Brian Mwenda Ndubi, controlled the companies. The firms reportedly used falsified documents to obtain tenders unlawfully, with some proceeds deposited into joint bank accounts shared by Mubichi and her husband.

Further probe traced financial transactions from these contracts to several senior county officials, indicating a broader network involved in the corrupt dealings. The commission determined Mubichi’s financial interests directly conflicted with her official role, violating public service integrity and accountability standards.

Following the investigation, the case file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorized charges against nine suspects. The allegations include conflict of interest, money laundering, acquiring proceeds of crime, corrupt procurement practices, and failure to comply with procurement laws.

The arrested individuals are:

  • Lorna Karamuta Mubichi (Economist II)
  • Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi (Director of implicated companies)
  • Daniel Ndung'u Wainaina (Chief Officer, Medical Services)
  • Kennedy Mungai Barasa (Chief Officer, Roads and Infrastructure)
  • Timothy Kiogora Murithi (Chief Officer, Water)
  • Peter Gitau Thabanja (Nakuru City Manager)
  • Solomon Sirma (County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Baringo; former Chief Officer for Health, Nakuru)

They are scheduled for arraignment at Nakuru Law Courts on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The commission has also issued summons for two individuals believed to be evading arrest: Brian Mwenda Ndubi, director of Windcom Solutions Limited, and Josphat Kimemia, Chief Officer for Youth Affairs and Sports. They have been directed to report to the EACC South Rift Regional Office in Nakuru or the nearest EACC office immediately.

The EACC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and urged all government entities to enforce compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, by establishing robust mechanisms to declare, manage, and prevent conflicts among public officers.