Kericho senator demands accountability as Sh80m lost in fictitious payments

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot at the National Dialogue Committee Bomas of Kenya on Monday, November 06, 2023. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has called for the immediate investigation into the alleged loss of Sh80 million by the Kericho County Government through fictitious payments to non-existent contractors and suppliers.

Cheruiyot urged the Kericho County Assembly Committee, established to investigate the matter, to move with speed and impartiality in uncovering the truth behind the suspicious transactions.

"The people of Kericho demand answers. We cannot sit back as millions of shillings meant for critical development projects are siphoned off by well-connected individuals and corruption cartels within the county headquarters," he said.

Kericho Deputy Governor Eng Fred Kirui flagged a suspicious pattern of payments made between October 2024 and April 2025.

He revealed that, for instance, on March 10, 2025, up to Sh6 million was disbursed to several companies under questionable circumstances, some with similar amounts but slightly altered figures, raising red flags of possible fraud.

Kirui called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct parallel investigations to prosecute and recover all lost public funds.

"The fraudulent payments have paralyzed operations, locking out genuine contractors and suppliers from receiving their long-overdue dues," he said.

The County Assembly on July 16, 2025, formed a Committee to investigate the authenticity and registration status of at least 35 companies that allegedly received payments.

The committee is tasked with investigating the nature and delivery status of goods and services purportedly procured as well as any breaches of the law, policy, or procedures involved.

The committee has been given 21 days to compile and submit its report, including recommendations for administrative action.

Senator Cheruiyot emphasised that if the findings confirm wrongdoing, he will push for the prosecution of all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political or administrative standing.

"There will be no tolerance. There will be no negotiation. If public funds have been stolen, the perpetrators must face the full force of the law," he declared.