EACC probes former roads official's Sh1.2 billion wealth

A former senior official at the Ministry of Roads is under investigation by the anti-graft agency over alleged unexplained wealth exceeding Sh1.2 billion.

Eng Christopher Chebon Chepkuto, who served as the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Bomet regional manager, is suspected of amassing illicit wealth between January 2014 and April 2019.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in its 2021/2022 annual report, stated that Chepkuto had unlawfully acquired 33 assets valued at an estimated Sh11.2 billion. The agency confirmed that Chepkuto’s case remains under active investigation but declined to provide further details.

The Standard learned that the EACC received a complaint claiming Chepkuto had received Sh2.3 billion in payments through various companies linked to him.

During this period, he allegedly awarded 40 contracts to eight companies connected to him, including Uswonin Construction Ltd, Barkutwo Limited, Barameres Services Ltd, Signatories, Olererut Contractors Ltd, Bartum Enterprises Ltd, Koiwa Contractors Ltd, Taimon Company Ltd, and Nasundori Holdings Ltd.

Chepkuto is further accused of awarding 12 contracts to four other companies and receiving direct benefits amounting to Sh37,234,000, while his wife allegedly received Sh6,450,000 from these contracts.

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Additionally, Chepkuto received payments totalling Sh756,204,990 into his accounts, while his wife received Sh321,577,828.

Attempts to reach Chepkuto for a comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. The EACC’s 2023/2024 annual report revealed that 534 cases were under investigation for corruption, economic crimes, bribery, and unethical conduct.