A major investigation is underway following allegations of embezzlement totaling KES 2 billion at the National Youth Service (NYS) College in Gilgil.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today executed coordinated search operations targeting the residences and offices of several senior NYS officials and their alleged associates.
The focus of the EACC’s inquiry includes key figures within the NYS leadership, namely Nicholas J. Makokha, the Deputy Commandant General for Operations and Logistics, and David Muthee Mbogo, the Head of Supply Chain Management at the Gilgil Paramilitary Academy. Also under investigation is Joseph Maina Kagiri, the Camp Accountant at the Gilgil Paramilitary Academy.
The anti-graft agency is further scrutinizing individuals believed to have close ties to Mr. Mbogo. These include Felista Wanjiru Wandugi and Winfred Cherotich Towett, both spouses of Mr. Mbogo, as well as Elias Muthee, his brother and a Director at Marvel Hotel. Naftali Kaberu, an alleged proxy of Mr. Mbogo, and his wife, Florence Muthoni Karanja, are also subjects of the investigation.
These search operations, conducted under the authority of court orders, form part of an ongoing investigation into accusations of conflict of interest and abuse of office.
The EACC suspects that senior officials at the NYS engaged in illicit dealings with the institution through various companies, leading to the disbursement of a staggering KES 2 billion between the financial years 2019/2020 and 2024/2025.
Investigators are working under the premise that the implicated officials misused their positions of power to embezzle public funds through a scheme involving collusion, procurement irregularities, and payments for services that were never rendered.
Following the morning operations, all the aforementioned individuals were taken to the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre in Nairobi to provide their statements.
The EACC has confirmed that today’s activities yielded significant evidentiary material that is expected to provide crucial support to the ongoing investigations.
In a press statement released earlier today, the anti-corruption body reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into these serious allegations.
The EACC emphasized that upon the conclusion of the inquiry, it will take appropriate action, which may include the prosecution of any individuals found responsible and the recovery of any assets or wealth acquired through corrupt means. This unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through the National Youth Service, raising serious concerns about the stewardship of public resources within the organization.