ADVERT 
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its crackdown on procurement fraud, arresting the Clerk of the Nyamira County Assembly, Duke Simeon Onyori, over alleged irregularities in a multi-million-shilling tender.
According to the anti-graft agency, Onyori is at the center of investigations into the controversial award of a contract for the construction of an office block at the Nyamira County Assembly. The tender—identified as CAN/T/027/2017–2021—was awarded to Jetta Builders Ltd, despite the firm not being the lowest evaluated bidder.
Investigators revealed that the flawed procurement process unlawfully conferred a financial benefit of KSh 30,187,396 to the contractor, resulting in a significant loss of public funds. The findings have sparked fresh concerns over accountability and transparency in county governments.
Following the probe, the EACC forwarded its case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which has since approved criminal charges against Onyori and five other senior officials linked to the deal.
Those set to face prosecution include:
Leonard Kevin Nyamasege – Deputy Clerk/Director, Finance and Accounts
David Nyarango Ombego – Deputy Clerk/Director, Legislative, Legal Procedure and Committee Services
Joyce Onyiego – Director, Monitoring and Evaluation
Eric Ong’uti Ayuka – Infrastructure Officer
Simon Ondari Ogecha – Infrastructure Officer
The suspects face a raft of charges, including abuse of office, willful failure to comply with procurement laws, and negligence of official duty in the management of public funds.
While Onyori has already been taken into custody and processed at the EACC South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii, the Commission has urged the remaining suspects to present themselves at the nearest EACC office.
“The Commission remains steadfast in safeguarding public resources and holding accountable all individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes,” said EACC CEO Abdi A. Mohamud.
The arrest underscores the government’s renewed push to enforce integrity in public procurement, a sector long plagued by graft. With prosecutions now imminent, the case is expected to test the robustness of Kenya’s anti-corruption framework and send a strong warning to public officials engaged in fraudulent dealings.
— Ends —
