The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned 16 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Bungoma and six staff members as part of investigations into alleged fraud and misuse of public funds tied to a controversial benchmarking trip and a Christmas tree lighting event.
Details of the Summons
According to summons issued to the County Assembly Clerk, the MCAs and officials are required to appear before investigators at the commission’s Western Regional Office in Bungoma on varied dates between February 26 and March 9, 2026.
The probe focuses on claims that county funds were irregularly spent on:
- A benchmarking trip to Uganda described as fictitious.
- A Christmas tree lighting event at the Governor’s Office in 2019.
Combined, the expenditures are reported to have cost taxpayers Ksh.6,569,000.
Individuals Summoned
Among those called to record statements are MCAs:
- Joane Nafula Lutukai
- Everlyne Mutiembu Naboelela
- Joan Chemayiek Kirong
- Francis Chemion Masai
- Stephen Wafula Wamalwa
- James Barasa Mukhono
- Florence Fulano Wekesa
- Joseph Nyongesa Juma
- Jack Ouma Wambulwa
- Hillary Kiptalam
- Erick Kamingichi Wapanq’ana
- Henry Majimbo Okumu
- Violet Namaemba Makhanu
- Luke Opwora
- Tonny Khaoya Barasa
- Sospeter Erastus Nyonqesa
Staff members summoned include:
- Francis Simiyu Tome (Principal Clerk Assistant)
- Ignatius Wekesa Wanqila (Principal Legal Counsel)
- Benedict Wafula Kimwei (Commissionaire)
- Kennedy Taracha Barasa (Driver)
- Carolyn Akirapa Wamalwa (Hansard Officer)
- John Kennedy Ongwae (Former Clerk)
Senate and Auditor General Queries
The probe follows concerns raised by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which invited the EACC to investigate alleged misuse of public funds by the Bungoma County government.
During the grilling of Governor Kenneth Lusaka earlier this month, Senators flagged the expenditure of Ksh.3,689,000 used to facilitate the Christmas tree lighting event in September 2019 three months before Christmas. The funds were allegedly withdrawn through a fictitious imprest.
Next Steps
Those summoned are expected to record statements and provide documentation related to the expenditures. The EACC aims to establish whether due process was followed and determine individual responsibility for any irregularities.
