NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raided the homes and offices of Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO) Managing Director James Ng’ang’a Gachathi and three senior officials amid allegations of financial misconduct and corruption.
The operation targeted Finance Manager Isaac Mokaya Makori, Commercial Manager James Muthee Gathairu, and Accountant David Wachira Mugo. Investigators are probing claims that the officials sanctioned fraudulent payments for undelivered services before receiving kickbacks in a scheme that allegedly led to the loss of KES 159 million.
Following the searches, all four were taken to the EACC Nakuru Regional Office for interrogation. “This raid is part of an active investigation into abuse of office and embezzlement of Ksh159 million. It is alleged that payments were approved for non-existent services, with the officials benefiting from kickbacks,” EACC said in a statement.
While the commission has not disclosed further details, it confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with additional action expected based on findings.
Court Sentences NAWASSCO Boss, Governor Kihika
The crackdown comes just a day after the Environment and Land Court in Nakuru sentenced NAWASSCO Managing Director Gachathi and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to six months in jail or a Ksh2 million fine each for contempt of court over illegal waste disposal into Lake Nakuru.
Justice Antony Ombwayo ruled that the two failed to comply with court orders issued on September 26, 2024, barring the discharge of waste into the lake. The case was filed by Baboon Project Kenya, an environmental NGO, which accused NAWASSCO and the county government of continuing to release toxic chemicals and industrial waste into the lake, endangering wildlife, including baboons inhabiting the area.
NAWASSCO operates as a county water service provider under the Water Act 2016, serving Nakuru and parts of Nyeri and Meru Counties. “To uphold the dignity and authority of this court and the rule of law, the respondents must be committed to six months in jail for failing to comply with the order,” Justice Ombwayo ruled.
