The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a key victory in the fight against county-level corruption after the High Court nullified a controversial tender in Trans Nzoia County and ordered the recovery of over Kshs. 25 million in misappropriated public funds.
The ruling marks a significant step in EACC’s broader push to hold individuals personally accountable for irregular procurement practices that have long plagued devolved units. In its judgment delivered on Wednesday, the court ruled that a contract for the renovation of Kenyatta Municipal Stadium and construction of spectator sheds was marred by fraud and serious procurement violations.
The court directed that the full amount Kshs. 25,334,525.50 be refunded to the government by the parties involved, including Joseph Muindi Tevulo, the county’s former Head of Supply Chain Management, and contractor Robert Simiyu Wambulwa, trading as KOYI Building Contractors.
The late Benjamin Ruto Timitim, who had served as the supervising county architect, was also named in the suit, though proceedings against him were terminated following his death.
Legal analysts say this case sends a strong signal that public officials can no longer hide behind bureaucratic processes to escape liability. It also underscores the EACC’s growing emphasis on financial recovery, not just prosecution, as a deterrent against corruption in counties.
With billions in public funds lost annually through dubious deals in devolved units, the ruling is being seen as a template for future anti-graft litigation focused on restitution and personal accountability.
