Kenya’s anti-graft fight has remained in the spotlight this week, with two separate developments drawing attention to corruption and accountability at the county level.
In Kisii, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested David Geoffrey Ombiro, an Administrative Officer at the County Assembly, over allegations of using forged documents to secure employment. Investigations revealed that Ombiro altered his birth certificate, changing his year of birth from 1967 to 1973, and used it to obtain a falsified national ID. He is further accused of forging a KRA PIN, NHIF card, and NSSF card to align with the false identity, documents he allegedly submitted as part of his employment records.
Ombiro pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a bond of Ksh.150,000 with one surety or a cash bail of Ksh.70,000. His case will proceed to a pre-trial conference on September 25, 2025.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, senators sitting in the County Public Accounts Committee raised concerns over the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for withdrawing at least 18 county-related graft cases without consulting the EACC. Lawmakers warned that such decisions risk weakening accountability at the devolved level.
Senator Erick Okong’o Omogeni cautioned that the apparent disconnect between the two offices could frustrate the fight against corruption. “When you tell us you are not consulted, there seems to be a disconnect between EACC and the DPP. If we sweep these things under the carpet, we will not be assisting the country,” he said.
Among the cases withdrawn is the high-profile matter involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, who, alongside his family members, was accused of misappropriating Ksh.505 million. Obado has since agreed to surrender assets worth Ksh.428 million under an out-of-court settlement with EACC.
While Ombiro’s arrest highlights the persistence of forgery and fraud in public service recruitment, the Senate-EACC-ODPP standoff underscores broader concerns over how graft cases are handled once investigations are completed. Both cases reflect the hurdles facing Kenya’s anti-corruption drive, particularly at the county level where oversight remains under intense public scrutiny.
