GARISSA, Kenya – Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – The long arm of the law reached the highest echelons of the Garissa County Government today as detectives from the EACC Kenya conducted simultaneous raids on the homes and offices of four top officials. The operation is part of a high-stakes investigation into allegations of massive procurement irregularities and conflict of interest involving a staggering Kes 1.2 billion of public funds.
The investigation, spearheaded by the EACC, centers on the suspicious award of multiple lucrative contracts, raising serious questions about the management of public resources within Garissa County. The individuals at the heart of the probe are key figures in the county’s financial and procurement arms, suggesting a deeply entrenched scheme.
Among those targeted was Mr. Abdi Ali Nuriye, the powerful Head of the County Treasury, whose signature would have been necessary for the release of the colossal funds. Also facing the heat are Mohamed Daud Korow, the Chief Finance Officer; Mohamed Abdi Hassan, the Director of Supply Chain Management; and Abdiwahab Omar Guye, the Former Director of Procurement.
The EACC, in an official statement, confirmed that the execution of the search warrants led to the recovery of “critical evidentiary material.” This evidence is expected to be pivotal in untangling the complex web of alleged corruption that spans several flagship projects intended for the people of Garissa.
The specific tenders under the microscope of EACC Kenya investigators include:
- The Construction of a Terminal Wing at Garissa Airstrip: A major infrastructure project meant to boost connectivity and trade in the region. Questions have been raised about the awarding process and the contractor’s qualifications.
- The Construction of a Perimeter Wall and Pavilion at Garissa Primary School: A project directly impacting the education and safety of children, now mired in allegations of inflated costs and substandard work.
- The Provision of Medical Insurance: A tender critical for the healthcare of county employees, suspected of being awarded to a non-compliant or connected firm at an excessive cost to the public.
- The Provision of Catering Services: This tender, allegedly benefiting county officials themselves, points to a severe conflict of interest, where public funds were potentially used for personal enrichment.
- Payment of Salaries to Ghost Workers: A classic corruption scheme that drains resources, this involves the creation of non-existent employees on the county payroll, with salaries being fraudronlly collected by accomplices.
The scope of these investigations indicates a systemic failure within the procurement and finance departments of the Garissa County government. The involvement of both current and former directors of procurement suggests that these practices may have been ongoing for some time.
The EACC has assured the public that the operation is a critical step in a meticulous process. “Upon conclusion of the investigation,” the Commission stated, “the findings will guide the appropriate course of action, which may include the prosecution of any individuals found culpable, the forfeiture of unexplained assets, and the confiscation of proceeds linked to corruption.”
This strong action by the EACC sends a clear message that the war on corruption is far from over. For the residents of Garissa, who have long endured poor service delivery despite massive budgetary allocations, this investigation offers a glimmer of hope for accountability. The alleged siphoning of Kes 1.2 billion represents funds that could have transformed infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the region.
The events in Garissa County are being closely watched nationwide as a test case for the government’s commitment to fighting graft at the devolved level. All eyes will now be on the EACC Kenya as it works to compile a watertight case, potentially leading to one of the most significant corruption prosecutions in recent history. The officials involved are expected to be summoned for questioning in the coming days as the probe intensifies.
The EACC concluded its statement by reiterating its unwavering “commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources,” a promise the people of Garissa are now hoping will be fulfilled.
