EACC: Gladys Mami Kivoto Kitui Arrest Over Procurement Fraud

• The EACC arrested Kitui County Chief Officer Gladys Mami Kivoto and five company directors over alleged procurement fraud.
• The investigation concerns Sh17.48 million in contracts, with Sh14.1 million paid to five proxy companies linked to Kivoto.
• Charges approved by the DPP against nine suspects include conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering, and corrupt procurement.
• Three of the implicated company directors are relatives of Kivoto, with other financial links also identified.
• Three additional suspects are directed to surrender to the EACC, with all arrested individuals expected to be arraigned at the Kitui Law Courts on August 6, 2026.

The EACC's findings suggest a sophisticated scheme involving the alleged use of related parties to secure public contracts.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended Gladys Mami Kivoto, a Chief Officer within Kitui County, along with five company directors, in connection with alleged procurement irregularities and conflict of interest. The arrests, announced in a statement on Thursday by EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, stem from an investigation into contracts valued at Sh17.48 million. This action by the EACC underscores a continued focus on combating corruption within county administrations, particularly concerning public procurement processes.

Ms. Kivoto, who held positions in both the Departments of Agriculture & Fisheries and Irrigation, is accused of engaging in business with Kitui County through a network of five companies acting as proxies. These entities collectively received payments totaling Sh14.1 million from the county treasury across financial years spanning from 2018/2019 to 2024/2025. The EACC's findings suggest a sophisticated scheme involving the alleged use of related parties to secure public contracts.

Among those taken into custody are Ms. Kivoto herself, Josephine Mwikali Wambua and Roselyne Kyambi Kilonzi, both directors of Shanel Construction. Also arrested were Mary Mueni Mbiti, a director for both DTK Construction and 4-Walls, Jonathan Kivondo Kieti of DTK Construction, and Onesmus Munyao Nzioka, a director at ECO Stone. The EACC has further issued directives for three other individuals—Makoma Wambua of ECO Stone, Emmanuel Wambua of AZ Links, and Stella Nthenya Kioko of AZ Links—who are reportedly evading authorities, to present themselves at the EACC Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos or any nearby EACC branch for processing. All suspects were slated to appear before the Kitui Law Courts on August 6, 2026.

The EACC's investigation meticulously traced the connections between Ms. Kivoto and the companies implicated in the alleged fraud. The five firms identified as proxy entities are Shanel Construction Ltd, ECO Stone Ltd, AZ Links Ltd, DTK Construction Ltd, and 4-Walls Ltd. A key aspect of the EACC's case highlights the familial ties linking Ms. Kivoto to several of the company directors involved.

Specifically, Josephine Mwikali Wambua, a director of Shanel Construction, Makoma Wambua of AZ Links, and Emmanuel Wambua of ECO Stone, have been identified as relatives of Ms. Kivoto. Beyond these kinship connections, the EACC also uncovered financial transactions between Ms. Kivoto and directors associated with DTK Construction and 4-Walls. These findings form the bedrock of the allegations of conflict of interest and underscore the complexity of the procurement fraud charges leveled against the accused.

Following the comprehensive investigation, the EACC compiled its findings and submitted the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP subsequently reviewed the evidence and approved charges against a total of nine suspects. The approved charges are severe, encompassing conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering, and corrupt procurement practices.

This development signals the EACC's unwavering commitment to enforcing accountability in public service and addressing Kenya public procurement irregularities. The charges reflect a multi-faceted approach to prosecuting corruption, targeting not only the direct act of fraud but also the mechanisms used to conceal illicit gains and exploit official positions. The arraignment at the Kitui Law Courts, which was scheduled for August 6, 2026, was expected to initiate the formal judicial process for all individuals implicated in this extensive probe.

The Gladys Mami Kivoto EACC arrest in Kitui serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing vigilance required to safeguard public funds at the county level. The EACC's aggressive enforcement against what it describes as a conflict of interest Kenya and proxy company schemes sends a clear message to county officials regarding the severe consequences of abuse of office. This case, involving Kitui County procurement fraud charges, highlights the vulnerabilities within public procurement systems that can be exploited for personal gain.

The inclusion of Shanel Construction EACC investigation among the implicated firms further illustrates the breadth of the probe into companies allegedly used to facilitate these irregularities. Such actions by the EACC are crucial for fostering transparency and integrity in local governance, aiming to deter similar instances of corruption and ensure that public resources are utilized for their intended purpose of community development rather than private enrichment.

Lawyers advising county officials or companies involved in public procurement should note the EACC's aggressive enforcement against conflict of interest and proxy company schemes. This case underscores the importance of robust due diligence on beneficial ownership and related party transactions to mitigate exposure to charges like abuse of office and money laundering.

Source: Original reporting via The Standard