The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced the arrest of a Member of Parliament for alleged conflict of interest and misappropriation of public funds. The anti-graft body has been probing the award of tenders worth Ksh.122 million by the Rongo National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to companies linked to the MP during the Financial Years 2017/2018 to 2024/2025.
Preliminary findings revealed that the MP and Christopher Nelson Abuor registered a private company, Aztec Infrastructure Kenya Ltd, where they are both listed as directors. The company reportedly traded with the Rongo NG-CDF, receiving payments for classroom construction and borehole drilling projects. “The suspect is the sole signatory to the company’s bank account, and through this entity, has received Ksh.122 million,” the EACC disclosed.
Additionally, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud revealed that the MP’s assistant had registered another company, Jebset Holdings Limited, which received Ksh.19.6 million for similar dealings with the NG-CDF. The personal assistant serves as the sole director and signatory to this account.
The arrest comes days after the MP tabled a Bill advocating for harsher penalties for state officers who divert public funds. Dubbed the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2025, the proposed law aims to curb corruption by introducing project-specific bank accounts for government funds.
“All funds disbursed by the National Treasury must be deposited in designated accounts dedicated solely to the implementation of approved projects,” the MP stated during a recent press briefing at Parliament Buildings.
The Bill proposes that accounting officers found guilty of misusing funds face penalties of 150% of the diverted amount, suspension, dismissal, and up to five years in prison. It also holds banks accountable for unauthorized transactions, subjecting them to financial and legal penalties.
In a significant addition, the Bill seeks to empower the Controller of Budget (CoB) to monitor expenditures and mandates the National Treasury to develop a digital platform for tracking the utilization of project funds, ensuring transparency and public accessibility. Ironically, the MP’s arrest highlights the very corruption he seeks to legislate against, raising questions about accountability and the ethical conduct of public officials.
