A senior clerical officer at the State Department for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is facing an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over suspected conflict of interest and money laundering. The officer is alleged to have undisclosed interests in 10 companies that received Sh385.99 million from the Ministry of Environment between the 2014/2015 and 2024/2025 financial years.
According to EACC's third-quarter investigation report covering July to September 2026, the officer failed to disclose their interests in tenders awarded to the companies. The commission established that the companies collectively received Sh385,993,652.65 in public funds. The investigation examined the relationships between the public officer and the 10 companies, including their directors, proprietors and bank signatories.
The EACC reported that the companies' directors, proprietors and bank signatories were allegedly involved in transactions intended to conceal the origin and movement of the payments, which the commission identified as proceeds of crime. The investigation consequently extended beyond the tender awards to the handling of the money received by the companies.
On June 30, 2026, EACC forwarded its investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), recommending charges against the officer, the companies and their directors. The proposed charges included conflict of interest, use and acquisition of proceeds of crime, and 10 counts of money laundering. However, on July 22, 2026, the DPP returned the file and recommended further investigations before a decision on prosecution could be made.
The Environment Ministry investigation is among 50 inquiry files EACC forwarded to the DPP during the July - September 2026 reporting period. Of these, 43 carried recommendations for prosecution, one was recommended for administrative or other action, while six were recommended for closure.
The DPP accepted prosecution recommendations in 10 cases, returned 14 files for further investigations and had yet to communicate decisions on 24 others, according to the report published in the Kenya Gazette on October 30, 2026. The investigations covered alleged corruption, procurement irregularities, bribery, abuse of office and the use of questionable academic qualifications to secure public employment.
The EACC's primary mandate is to combat and prevent corruption, economic crimes, and unethical practices within government and the public sector. The case remains subject to further investigation and the DPP's eventual decision on prosecution. Key figures involved include Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EACC, and Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
Key points
- The EACC investigation involves a senior clerical officer allegedly linked to 10 companies that received Sh385.99 million from the Ministry of Environment.
- The proposed charges against the officer and companies include conflict of interest, use and acquisition of proceeds of crime, and money laundering.
- The DPP returned the investigation file for further investigations before a decision on prosecution could be made.
