At the house in Syokimau where Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives found Sh65.3 million in cash on Thursday, one item stood out.
Mounted prominently on a wall alongside family photos was a large portrait with the inscription: “God Did It”.
For EACC detectives who had just found Sh51.3 million in cash and $113,000 (about Sh14 million) in the house and the boot of a car, the message offered a glimpse into the paradoxical world of Mr Patrick Analo Akivaga, the official who has been at the centre of one of the most powerful offices at City Hall for many years.
Nairobi chief officer Patrick Analo arrested over alleged graft
Investigators also seized title deeds, vehicle logbooks, laptops, mobile phones, iPads, land sale agreements, vehicle sale agreements, Nairobi County approval plans and other documents.
EACC detectives say the documents could help explain how a career civil servant accumulated wealth that is said to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The raid marked a turn in the fortunes of a man who spent close to two decades climbing the ranks of City Hall, eventually becoming one of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s most trusted lieutenants and arguably the most influential official in the Planning Department of the county government.
On Friday, EACC Head of Communications Stephen Karuga said Mr Analo and his wife, Damaris Kayugira, were freed on a cash bail of Sh500,000 and Sh100,000, respectively and are expected in court next week.
The commission is investigating reports of bribery, abuse of office, conflict of interest and possession of unexplained wealth.
For many at City Hall, however, the arrest was less surprising than the amount of money seized.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo (left) is escorted by investigators from his Syokimau residence following his arrest by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“I never imagined he would have such money. We would often ask him for lunch, given our situation, but he claimed not to have any money. We stopped asking,” said an employee who has been at City Hall for many years and requested not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Born and raised in Vihiga County, Mr Analo often described himself as a simple village boy who came to Nairobi to look for opportunities.
When meeting residents of Vihiga, Ms Kayugira often describes herself as the “liberator”.
“The Constitution is clear. The role of the Woman Representative is to champion the interests of women, youth and persons with disabilities. I will stand with you if given the opportunity,” she said at a meeting in Luanda on May 13.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo (masked) at the EACC offices after his arrest at his Syokimau residence. Detectives reportedly recovered Sh5.3 million in cash during the operation.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi I Nation Media Group
Mr Analo joined City Hall as an officer in the Urban Planning Department in 2008, steadily rising through the ranks.
With a Master’s degree in Urban Management from the University of Nairobi, which he pursued from 2009 to 2011, Mr Analo built a reputation as a technically gifted planner.
As he defended his decisions in an interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Analo proudly reminded critics of his credentials.
Master’s Degree in planning
“I need you to know that I hold a Master’s Degree in planning. I have been an urban planner for a very long time and I do understand what goes into planning a city,” he said.
When confronted with questions regarding illegal developments in Nairobi, Mr Analo was never short of answers.
“As a county government, we will take action against them. There are numerous cases filed in court,” he often said.
When Mr Sakaja became governor in 2022, he nominated Mr Analo a chief officer.
Bundles of cash were recovered by detectives during a search at the Syokimau residence of Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo. Investigators say Sh65.3 million was seized during the operation. Analo was later taken to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters for questioning.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Later, the Nairobi County Assembly approved him as the Chief Officer for Urban Planning, handing him control over one of the most lucrative and politically sensitive departments in the devolved government.
It is among the most powerful desks in Nairobi as developers seek approvals valued at hundreds of millions of shillings or even billions.
Mr Analo’s influence grew. In 2023, Mr Sakaja named him the Acting County Secretary while retaining him as Chief Officer for Urban Planning.
Even as complaints mounted over illegal buildings, questionable approvals and claims of corruption in the Planning Department, Mr Analo remained in office.
That is raising questions for Mr Sakaja. Why was he allowed to remain in a strategic office despite warnings from residents, professional bodies, county assembly committees, the Ombudsman and court petitions?
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo (masked) at the EACC offices after his arrest at his Syokimau residence.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi I Nation Media Group
In January, a 16-storey building in South C collapsed, killing at least two people. Investigations showed the structure had been approved for 12 floors.
County records further showed enforcement notices had been issued in May, July and December 2025 warning the developer against adding more floors to the structure.
The tragedy prompted a petition seeking Mr Analo’s suspension from office over “dereliction of duty and gross negligence”.
Even before the South C collapse, the Planning Department had found itself on the spot on many occasions. An explosive revelation was during hearings before the County Assembly Planning Committee.
Mr Frederick Ochanda, the acting assistant director for development control, stunned all when he said he had approved close to 600 building applications.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo (left) at the EACC offices yesterday after his arrest at his Syokimau residence.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi I Nation Media Group
Mr Ochanda told the MCAs that the powers had been delegated to him through an appointment letter from Governor Sakaja’s office.
“The powers belong to the chief officer but they were delegated to me through an appointment from the office of the governor,” he said.
“I do not have such rights to the system and cannot, therefore, give what I do not have,” he said.
