The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested seven current and former senior officials from Nakuru County on July 30, 2026, over a procurement fraud case involving contracts worth over KSh 120 million.

Investigations revealed that Lorna Karamuta Mubichi, an Economist II at Nakuru County, allegedly directed tenders to companies owned by her husband, Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi, during her tenure.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

  • Three companies—Denken Building & Construction Limited, Murinchamba Investments Limited, and Windcom Solutions Limited—were awarded 29 contracts between the 2020/2021 and 2024/2025 financial years.
  • The firms, controlled by Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi and his brother Brian Mwenda Ndubi, used falsified documents to secure tenders unlawfully.
  • Funds from these contracts were traced to joint bank accounts held by Mubichi and her husband, with some payments reaching other senior county officials.
  • The EACC determined Mubichi’s involvement constituted a direct conflict of interest under the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025.

Charges and Arrests

The Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against nine individuals, including counts of conflict of interest, money laundering, corrupt procurement practices, and failure to comply with procurement laws.

Those arrested include:

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

Two other suspects, Brian Mwenda Ndubi and Josphat Kimemia (Chief Officer for Youth Affairs and Sports), are currently being sought by the EACC.

All arrested individuals are scheduled to appear before Nakuru Law Courts on July 32, 2026.

EACC Response

EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi A. Mohamud urged all government agencies to enhance adherence to the Conflict of Interest Act by instituting robust measures for declaration and management of conflicts among public officers.