The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has barred 241 individuals seeking elective office in Kenya’s August 9 elections due to alleged integrity violations linked to corruption and economic crimes. The commission submitted the list to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for consideration in determining their eligibility under constitutional integrity requirements.
EACC stated that these individuals failed to meet ethical standards for public office, urging IEBC to act in line with constitutional values. The commission emphasized its hope that IEBC would prioritize public interest when making decisions about the candidates’ participation.
The 241 names were identified from 21,863 registrants across presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, parliamentary, and county assembly races. Key figures on the list include Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, accused of evidence tampering and allegedly possessing Sh542 million in illicit funds. Justus Onyango Juma, a presidential candidate, faces allegations of using a forged ID card. Former Nyandarua Governor Joseph Waithaka is under scrutiny for procurement irregularities in a water project.
Other flagged candidates include former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, accused of improper payments totaling Sh96 million to companies linked to his family, and Garissa Governor Ali Korane, facing embezzlement charges involving Sh233.5 million from a county program. Tana River Governor Goghana Dhadho is accused of inflating vehicle tender values, while Nairobi’s former governor Mike Sonko faces active court cases over money laundering and fraud allegations.
The list also includes Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, facing abuse of office charges, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, accused of misappropriating Sh10.6 million in travel funds. Several MPs, including Mohamed Ali and Anne Gathecha, are also named. Additional cases involving Kiambu’s Karungo Thang’wa, Migori Governor Okoth Obado, and others remain under investigation.
EACC noted that the current list reflects ongoing investigations, with potential expansions pending court rulings on integrity thresholds for public office. The commission emphasized its role in maintaining ethical standards while leaving final eligibility decisions to IEBC.
