This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
On May 13, 2020, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched an investigation into the office of Bungoma County Women Representative Catherine Wambilianga over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
According to sources, Wambilianga's bank accounts and those of her relatives and allies are being targeted as part of the probe. The investigation is centered around claims that she has employed close relatives and ghost workers in her office, and has used office funds to pay for life insurance for herself and two of her children.
Philip Wekesa, a human rights activist, took the case to the EACC, claiming that a total of Sh66 million meant for civic education, sports, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental conservation for three consecutive financial years cannot be accounted for. Wekesa alleged that the women representative was supposed to spend at least Sh22 million every financial year but nothing is on the ground to show that the money was spent for the intended purpose.
Wambilianga has also been accused of manipulating the payroll, including ghost workers who benefit from taxpayers' money. It is further alleged that she has a life insurance cover for herself, her son, and her daughter, where she uses office money to pay for their life cover to the tune of Sh329,578.
Wambilianga has denied the allegations, and her office has dismissed the claims as baseless. However, Philip Wekesa has vowed to take the case to court if no arrests are made within 14 days.
