By The Anchor Writer
Senior Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) official Joel Mutambu Kilonzi recently faced a raid by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The commission raided Kilonzi’s home and offices, where he serves as the KeRRA Regional Accountant for Lamu County, as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption and fraudulent tendering processes amounting to KES 216.9 million. These tenders are related to road construction projects overseen by the authority.
Kilonzi previously held a similar position in Turkana County. According to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, Kilonzi is under investigation for allegedly amassing unexplained wealth suspected to be the proceeds of corruption. One of the key assets targeted in the probe is Kilonzi’s Mutomo Highway Cottages in Kitui County, which the EACC aims to seize, claiming it was acquired through illicit gains.
Detectives reportedly uncovered crucial evidence that may advance their investigation. Kilonzi is suspected of illegally trading with companies linked to himself, his spouse, and close associates. He is among several high-ranking KeRRA officials under investigation for their alleged involvement in widespread corruption within the rural roads sector.
Ngumbi stated that the EACC has already submitted a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), recommending that Kilonzi and other implicated individuals face criminal charges for their roles in these fraudulent schemes.
The EACC alleges that Kilonzi funneled KES 216,938,688 to proxy companies, including Felia Company Limited, Kife Company Limited, Joekin Company Limited, and Trinam Company Limited, between the 2020 and 2023 financial years. These payments were made during his tenure as Senior Accountant in Turkana County. Felia and Kife Company Limited are registered to his wife, Felistus Ndunge Kilonzo, suggesting Kilonzi was paying himself. Joekin and Trinam Company Limited are registered under his relative, Edward Musyoki Kituva.
Money trails,according to EACC, show how Kilonzi received Ksh.9,133,340 from the companies directly and through hardware supplies to construct the Mutomo Highway Cottage.
