The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned 22 individuals who are Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Bungoma and key staff for questioning over the alleged misuse of Sh6,569,000 in public funds.
The probe centres on a controversial 2019 “benchmarking” trip to Mbale, Uganda, and the bizarre lighting of a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office — held in September 2019, a full three months before the festive season.
The anti-corruption body is investigating claims of corruption, fraud, and theft of public funds through fictitious imprest claims during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years. The EACC letter, dated February 9, 2026, and signed by Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi, leaves no room for excuses: the named officials must appear at the EACC Western Regional Office in Bungoma between February 26 and March 9, 2026, for interviews and statement recording.
The Clerk of the County Assembly has been directed to facilitate their attendance “without fail”.
The 22 individuals include:
16 MCAs: Joan Lutukai, Everline Mutiembu, Joan Kirong, Francis Chemion, Stephen Wafula, James Mukhono, Florence Wekesa, Joseph Nyongesa, Jack Wambulwa, Hillary Kiptalam, Erick Wapangana, Henry Majimbo Okumu, Violet Makhanu, Luke Opwora, Tonny Barasa, and Sospeter Nyongesa.
6 Assembly staff: Clerk John Mosongo, Principal Clerk Assistant Tome Francis, Principal Legal Counsel Ignatius Wangila, Hansard Officer Carolyne Wamalwa, Commissionaire Benedict Kimwei, and Driver Kennedy Taracha.
– Sh3.689 million Christmas tree fiasco: Funds allegedly withdrawn via fictitious imprest to light a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office in September — long before any festive cheer.
– Uganda benchmarking trip: The remaining millions were spent on a trip by the 22 MCAs and senior county officials to Mbale, Uganda, described as a study tour but now under the microscope for possible irregularities.
The total scandal — Sh6.569 million — first came under scrutiny after the Auditor General flagged the expenditures. The Senate Public Accounts Committee then dragged Governor Kenneth Lusaka before it for questioning, prompting the EACC to launch a full investigation.
EACC’s mandate is clear: determine whether public money was stolen or squandered and hold those responsible accountable.
This latest development comes amid growing public anger over county officials’ penchant for lavish foreign trips disguised as “benchmarking” while basic services in Bungoma lag. Residents are now asking the million-shilling question: Was this really about learning best practices in Mbale… or something else entirely?
The summons mark a significant escalation in the probe that began weeks ago when the EACC first demanded original documents, including imprest warrants, cashbooks, bank slips, and personal files of all involved.
No official response from the summoned MCAs or the County Assembly has been issued as of press time, but all eyes are now on Bungoma as the anti-graft net tightens.
Will heads roll? Or will this be yet another probe that fades into the archives? Kenya is watching.
