The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has moved decisively against corruption in Gatundu North, apprehending four members of the Constituency NG-CDF Committee over alleged bribery.
The officials reportedly demanded Ksh300,000 to approve a Ksh9.1 million payment for completed projects at Karure Primary School, sparking a high-profile investigation into misuse of public funds.
The arrests highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency at the local level while sending a clear warning that public officials involved in misappropriating taxpayer money will face swift consequences.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the contractor completed three major projects at Karure Primary School by January 31, 2026. These included construction of a modern kitchen, levelling and landscaping works, and renovation of an administration block along with six classrooms.
After requesting the payment formally, the officials allegedly blocked the disbursement, citing unspecified “unresolved issues.”
Bribery and Blocked Payments Expose Gatundu North Constituency NG-CDF Theft
The commission’s probe intensified when evidence emerged that three of the committee members demanded Ksh300,000 from the contractor to release the funds. On February 23, 2026, the complainant met with the suspects, who reportedly requested the bribe to avoid raising objections to the payment. Two days later, EACC officers arrested the four officials after receiving Ksh250,000 as part of a sting operation.
The suspects were processed at the Integrity Centre before being booked at Kilimani Police Station. They were later released on cash bail of Ksh40,000 each, pending further investigations.
“The four committee members allegedly blocked the payment, citing unnamed unresolved issues. On February 23, the complainant met three of the suspects, who demanded Ksh300,000 to avoid objecting to the payment,” the EACC stated in a press briefing. The commission reiterated its commitment to combating bribery at service delivery points and improving the quality of public services for citizens across the country.
Public Funds Misuse Remains a Nationwide Concern
This arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on corrupt practices in public service. Just two days prior, EACC arrested a Garissa County MCA alongside two former county officials over a Ksh51.4 million graft case.
The trio funneled fraudulent payments to a private store for goods and services that the store never delivered. EACC arraigned the Garissa suspects at the Garissa Law Courts on February 23, charging them with massive misappropriation of public funds.
These consecutive arrests highlight the Commission’s aggressive crackdown on corruption, particularly where officials divert public resources intended for community development into personal gain.
According to EACC, tackling bribery is central to improving accountability and ensuring that development projects reach intended beneficiaries.
EACC Signals Zero Tolerance for Bribery
The Gatundu North arrests highlight systemic vulnerabilities within Constituency NG-CDF committees, where officials wield control over significant project funds. By demanding bribes to release payments for legitimate projects, these officials betray the trust of taxpayers and undermine critical educational infrastructure.
The commission emphasized that such corrupt acts will not go unchecked. “The Commission reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens,” EACC stated.
Analysts note that public awareness and active citizen reporting are key to exposing similar cases nationwide. With EACC’s investigations ongoing, the Gatundu North case may set a precedent for tighter scrutiny and stricter accountability in constituency-level fund management.
The ongoing probe will determine the full extent of Gatundu North Constituency NG-CDF theft, while the legal process unfolds to ensure justice is served. These measures reflect a growing intolerance for corruption in Kenya’s governance structures and signal a stronger regulatory environment for public funds management.
