In a seismic blow to Kenya’s ongoing battle against graft, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended the prosecution of Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali over allegations of orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to siphon off KSh728 million in public funds through irregular county tenders.
This high-stakes investigation, unveiled on July 23, 2025, exposes a web of conflicts of interest, proxy companies, and illicit fund diversions that have allegedly robbed one of Kenya’s most vulnerable counties of resources desperately needed for development.
As the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) reviews the dossier, the case could mark a turning point in holding devolved leaders accountable, amid a nationwide crackdown on county-level corruption.
The Heart of the Allegations: A Syndicate of Fraud and Abuse of Power
At the core of the EACC’s probe is a meticulously documented trail of financial misconduct spanning seven years, implicating Governor Ali in fraud, abuse of office, and economic crimes that have drained Marsabit County’s coffers.
Investigators allege that funds from multiple county contracts—intended for critical infrastructure like roads, water projects, and healthcare—were funneled into personal accounts linked to the governor, his wife, and close associates.
The total amount in question? A staggering KSh728 million, a figure that underscores the scale of what EACC sources describe as a “well-oiled syndicate” operating under the governor’s command.
The investigation paints a picture of systemic looting, where tenders were awarded without competitive bidding to companies with direct ties to Ali’s inner circle.
This not only violated procurement laws but also exemplified a blatant conflict of interest, as some beneficiaries were county employees or family members who failed to disclose their connections.
EACC auditors, armed with budgetary documents, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) records, witness testimonies, and mobile money transaction logs, have pieced together a forensic narrative of how public money was diverted for private gain.
Marsabit, a vast arid county in northern Kenya plagued by drought, inter-communal conflicts, and underdevelopment, relies heavily on devolved funds to provide basic services to its pastoralist communities.
The alleged theft represents a profound betrayal, exacerbating poverty and insecurity in a region where every shilling counts.
Critics argue that such corruption not only hampers progress but also erodes public trust in devolution, a system introduced in 2010 to decentralize power and resources from Nairobi to the counties.
Key Players and the Proxy Network: Family Ties and Hidden Beneficiaries
Governor Mohamud Ali, a prominent figure in Marsabit politics, stands accused alongside his wife, Alamitu Guyo Jattani, of masterminding the operation. Alamitu, who allegedly controls Burqa Ventures Limited, is at the center of the scandal.
The company reportedly pocketed over KSh156 million through contracts awarded by the county without proper disclosure of her indirect interest—a clear violation of anti-corruption statutes.
Evidence includes M-Pesa transfers, such as KSh2.4 million funneled from a county employee to Alamitu, highlighting how funds were laundered through personal channels.
Other implicated entities include:
- Ororo Company Limited: Awarded contracts worth KSh123 million, allegedly run by proxies loyal to Ali.
- M/S Damme Investment Construction Company Limited: Similarly secured KSh123 million, with links to associates like Rukia Abduba Salesa.
Proxies such as Huka Wako Bidhu, a Marsabit County employee involved in procurement, played pivotal roles without declaring conflicts. Bidhu’s involvement in tender awards to these firms further illustrates the insider dealings that allowed the syndicate to thrive.
The EACC’s report recommends 13 criminal charges against the governor and his accomplices, including conspiracy to commit corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, embezzlement, and abuse of office—charges that could lead to imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and a permanent bar from public office if upheld.
While Governor Ali has not been formally charged yet—the file is now with the ODPP for review—EACC insiders describe the evidence as “airtight,” potentially crippling his political career and setting a precedent for accountability in Kenya’s graft-riddled counties.
Broader Crackdown: Marsabit’s Scandal in the National Spotlight
This case is no isolated incident. The EACC’s July 23 statement positions it within a sweeping offensive against corruption in devolved units, where four sitting governors and 11 former ones are under scrutiny for misappropriating over KSh1.6 billion in public funds.
Notable figures include Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja, Kiambu’s Kimani Wamatangi, and Uasin Gishu’s Jonathan Bii Chelilim, signaling that no leader is untouchable.
Kenya’s anti-corruption landscape has been fraught with challenges since the establishment of the EACC in 2011 under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act. Despite high-profile arrests, convictions remain elusive due to political interference, witness tampering, and protracted legal battles.
In Marsabit’s case, sources warn of potential sabotage, a recurring theme in governor-related prosecutions. Yet, the agency’s intensified efforts, bolstered by digital forensics and inter-agency collaboration, offer hope for reform.
Public reaction has been swift and vocal. Social media buzzed with outrage on July 23, with users decrying the “grand looting” as a “robbery of hope” for Marsabit’s residents.
Analysts point to the economic sabotage: In a county where unemployment hovers above 50% and infrastructure lags, the diverted funds could have funded boreholes, schools, or security initiatives to combat banditry.
Implications and the Road Ahead: A Test for Kenya’s Anti-Graft Resolve
If prosecuted, Governor Ali’s case could dismantle his political machinery and inspire similar actions elsewhere, reinforcing President William Ruto’s pledges to transform governance amid public demands for transparency.
However, skeptics fear delays or dismissals, given historical patterns where powerful figures evade justice.
For Marsabit residents, the scandal amplifies calls for oversight mechanisms, such as citizen-led audits and stricter procurement rules.
Nationally, it underscores the need to strengthen devolution while plugging loopholes that enable graft—estimated to cost Kenya KSh2 trillion annually, according to Transparency International.
As the ODPP deliberates, all eyes are on whether this “corruption hurricane” will deliver justice or fizzle out. In the fight against graft, Marsabit’s saga serves as a stark reminder: Accountability isn’t just a slogan—it’s essential for Kenya’s future. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
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