Nairobi, Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday morning raided the homes and offices of Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and four senior county officials in connection with an alleged Sh382 million tender scandal for the construction of county offices.
The early-morning operation was carried out simultaneously in Nairobi, Kisii, and Nyamira, following a court-issued search warrant. According to the EACC, the officials are being investigated for corruption and economic crimes. Thye are suspected of making inflated payments to a contractor, Spentech Engineering Limited.
Senior County Officials Under Probe
The EACC identified the officers as Lameck Machuki Nyariki (Director of Housing and Physical Planning), Peris Mose (Director of Roads and former Head of Procurement), Asberth Maobe (Chief Officer for Finance and Accounting Services), and Josphat Oruru (Chief Officer for Roads, Transport, and Public Works).
Investigators allege that the officials approved irregular payments for work that was either incomplete or substandard. An audit report revealed that funds disbursed to the contractor were not commensurate with the work done. This suggested possible loss of public money.
In addition, Governor Amos Nyaribo is being probed for allegedly paying himself Sh18 million. This includes Sh13 million in house allowance reimbursement and an ex gratia payment, in what sources at the agency described as “unauthorised self-benefit.”
EACC: Irregular Payments and Abuse of Office
In a statement shared on EACC’s official website, the commission confirmed that it is gathering both documentary and digital evidence to strengthen the case against the suspects.
“The operation is part of our ongoing efforts to recover public resources lost through inflated contracts and illegal payments,” an official from the anti-graft body told Nation Africa in confidence.
Investigators are also working to trace the flow of funds allegedly paid to Spentech Engineering Limited, a company reportedly linked to insiders in the county administration.
Background of the Scandal
The Sh382 million tender was meant for constructing modern county headquarters in Nyamira. However, sources close to the investigation told The Standard that only a fraction of the work was completed, despite large sums already paid out.
The scandal adds to a growing list of county corruption cases under investigation across Kenya. Similar probes have recently been launched in Kakamega, Migori, and Bomet, as the EACC intensifies its anti-corruption drive in devolved units.
