Kericho County has been rocked by a scandal involving alleged fictitious payments exceeding Sh80 million, with Deputy Governor Fred Kirui emerging as the whistleblower in the unfolding storm.
The payments made to at least 28 companies for goods and services that were reportedly never delivered have prompted the Kericho County Assembly to form an ad hoc committee to investigate the claims.
The Sh80 million in question could have paid full tuition for 355 students in national schools from Form One to Form Four or built three kilometres of rural road, critics point out.
Mr Kirui, who has frequently clashed with his boss, Governor Erick Mutai, says the matter is about accountability and not politics.
Kericho Deputy Governor Fred Kirui.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
“It has come to my attention that the county government paid Sh80 million for goods that were either not supplied or not properly procured,” he said.
He says he has since written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Senate Majority Leader and other key offices, demanding immediate action.
The deputy governor revealed that between October 2024 and April 2025, the county disbursed millions for questionable items, including: catering services, general office supplies, furniture and fittings, staff uniforms, computers and motor vehicle maintenance.
One company was paid Sh3.55 million for general office supplies, while another received Sh1.85 million for tents, chairs, and a public address system.
Mr Kirui noted that Sh6 million was withdrawn from a retention account on March 10, 2025, and distributed among several companies, none receiving more than Sh3 million—possibly to avoid raising red flags. Five of the companies supplied soya, maize, sunflower and cotton, the most supplied items in the list, with each billing a few shillings less than shillings three million, in a clear indication of how much had been budgeted for it.
“There is no political malice here. This is about protecting public funds and upholding transparency,” he said.
Kericho Governor Erick Kipkoech Mutai.
Photo credit: Pool
Following the allegations, the County Assembly on Tuesday formed a committee led by Londiani Ward MCA Vincent Korir to probe the claims.
“Those who will be found culpable will be dealt with, and we will ensure that all the departments are interrogated along with the Office of the Controller of Budget and the contractors who have been named in the petition,” Mr Korir said.
Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett affirmed that everyone—from the governor to junior officers—will be held accountable if found culpable. The committee is expected to table its report by August 6, 2025.
“The committee is expected to conclude the investigations and table the report in the house by August 6, 2025, so that the public can know if there are cases of financial impropriety”, Mr Bett said on Tuesday.
“The Assembly must fast-track this probe. We must protect taxpayers’ money—both from the national exchequer and local collections.”
The revelations have triggered public outrage and attracted national attention, with Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot calling for accountability.
“I am calling on the County Assembly to fast-track the investigations into the claim of financial rip-off at the county executive and ensure those found to have been engaged in graft are held to account,” Mr Cheruiyot said.
Governor Mutai has maintained a measured silence, stating only that he will allow the County Assembly to execute its oversight role.
“I do not condone corruption. I’ve warned my officers publicly and privately—they will carry their own cross if found guilty,” said the governor.
The EACC, which has previously been investigating corruption allegations in the county, is yet to take concrete action, raising concerns among residents and elected officials.
