Turkana County Officials Investigated as EACC Uncovers Fraud Scheme

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday launched a major crackdown on senior Turkana County officials linked to a Ksh.600 million procurement fraud. The raids, targeting homes and offices of ten individuals, yielded significant evidence, including Ksh.6.5 million in cash found inside a vehicle belonging to Michael Eregae Ekidor, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Finance.

According to the EACC, Ekidor and others are accused of orchestrating fraudulent payments to companies allegedly tied to them for goods and services purportedly supplied during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years. The commission suspects abuse of office, embezzlement, bribery, and payment for fictitious contracts.

“The suspects are alleged to have abused their positions of trust and authority to embezzle public funds through collusion, procurement fraud, bribery and payment for fictitious contracts,” EACC stated.

Among those under investigation are Peter Lomurukai (Chief Officer for Municipalities and Urban Management), Mark Achila Ekiru (Chief Officer for Roads and Transport), Samson Nakito (Director of Procurement), Lillian Alaper Ateyo (Senior Accountant), and Annah Narot Longoli (Cleaning Supervisor).

Also implicated are John Tioko Ekal, allegedly a spouse to one of the officials; Abenyo Amathwel Etiir, a County Security Warden; Stephen Lowoton, former Assistant Director of Accounting; and businessmen William Erex Aminit and Nangiro Edung Ichor.

The EACC had earlier secured court orders on March 3, 2025, to freeze Ksh.180 million held in bank accounts linked to Etiir and associated companies.

All suspects have since recorded statements, with further legal action expected as investigations continue.