EACC arrests ex-Nyamira County officials over irregular hiring

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Monday arrested former senior Nyamira County officials for alleged abuse of office in the recruitment and appointment of 56 staff members in the Department of Gender, Youth, Culture and Social Services.

The suspects, currently held at Kisii Central Police Station, are expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. They include:

1. Peter Omwanza Ogwara – Former Nyamira County Executive Committee Member.
2. Beatrice Mokeira Siribah – Former Commissioner, Nyamira County Public Service Board.
3. Chadwick Maranga Sangara – Former Principal Culture Officer.
4. Geoffrey Ogeto Michira – Former Assistant Director, Administration.

According to EACC, the officials allegedly orchestrated the irregular hiring of 56 officers in a process marred by influence peddling, corruption, nepotism and clannism.

Investigations revealed that some of the positions filled were neither sanctioned by the county cabinet nor accounted for in the budget for the 2016/2017 Financial Year.

EACC officials indicated that the suspects flouted due process, violating the principles of fair recruitment and transparency in public service appointments.

The commission has vowed to continue pursuing accountability in county governments to curb abuse of office and misuse of public resources.

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of public sector employment practices, with concerns raised over the integrity of hiring processes across various county administrations.

The prosecution is expected to press charges against the accused as part of efforts to restore accountability in public service recruitment.