The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is inquiring into allegations that a non-governmental organization based in Eldoret, is linked to theft of public funds and money laundering by officials in several counties.
EACC said in one case, the NGO is reportedly at the centre of an alleged fraudulent scheme where public funds suspected to be stolen have been sent to an offshore account.
"The money is then allegedly wired back to the country through the NGO disguised as donations, which find their way back to county officials," EACC stated.
The Commission confirmed that it received the allegation from a whistleblower and has since launched investigations.
It is alleged that upon receipt of the funds, which come back to Kenya as donor funds for supporting tree planting and other environmental conservation initiatives, part of the money is irregularly shared with private companies.
The private companies are believed to be owned by county officials through proxies.
"In some cases, the money is utilized in acquiring land, motor vehicles and heavy machinery used by the proxy companies to undertake works in Nandi County while the balances are wired to personal bank accounts of some of the NGO Officials," EACC stated.
EACC stated that in August 2024, the NGO made payments to some of the companies which were used to acquire eight acres of land in Uasin Gishu.
The Commission said the land is believed to be for the individual benefit of some of the actors in the scheme involving county officials.
Also under investigation are senior officials from one of the counties where the NGO is alleged to have had most of its transactions.
