In a decisive blow against corruption, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a High Court ruling to confiscate assets valued at Ksh. 91,202,892 from Urbanus Wambua Musyoka, a former County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in Machakos.
According to a statement by EACC, Justice P.J. Otieno delivered the ruling, which marked the conclusion of one of two high-profile cases in which the EACC seeks to reclaim wealth allegedly acquired through corrupt practices during Musyoka’s tenure in the county government from January 2014 to July 2021.
The assets targeted by the court include a residential property on L.R No. Kibauni/Kamuthwa/168, worth 80,251,815, and cash deposits totaling 10,951,077 in Musyoka’s Co-operative and Equity bank accounts. EACC’s case contended that Musyoka’s considerable wealth vastly exceeded his lawful income, flagging it as suspicious.
The court’s decision sheds light on the intricate web of alleged graft.
Investigations revealed that during his service as CEC for Agriculture, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Musyoka exploited his influence as Chairperson of the County Tender Committee, awarding lucrative contracts to companies linked to close family members and associates.
Companies such as Wafih International Limited, Wisdom Holdings Limited, Kikoto General Merchants, and Wemmar Enterprises, reportedly managed by Musyoka’s wife Fiona Muthoki Mutisya, brother Antony Mbindyo Musyoka, and other close associates, amassed Kes457 million through county tenders.
Further investigations exposed that these companies had evaded taxes, accumulating a staggering debt of 181,722,145 to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
EACC noted that Musyoka had operated the companies’ accounts as the sole signatory, cementing his role as the primary beneficiary of the funds.
The former CEC, alongside the co-accused, was arrested in November 2023 and is currently facing charges in the Machakos Anti-Corruption Court.
Charges range from conflict of interest, illegal acquisition of public property, and fraudulent procurement practices to the submission of falsified documents. Musyoka and his associates have pleaded not guilty, and the trial is ongoing.
In the statement, EACC insisted on its commitment to dismantling corruption networks and urged for public support in the fight against graft.
“We are dedicated to restoring integrity in public service. This judgment is a significant step in our efforts to ensure that public resources serve the citizens, not individual interests,” EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said.
