EACC probes Sh5M Vihiga Speaker housewarming party
National
By
Nancy Gitonga and Brian Kisanji
| Feb 13, 2026
A lavish housewarming party at the Vihiga County Speaker’s residence in 2023 has placed top officials in trouble after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) commenced investigations into the alleged misuse of Sh5 million of public funds.
The anti-graft agency's intervention comes barely two weeks after Vihiga governor Wilberforce Ottichilo appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee to answer queries over the controversial expenditure, which has sparked public outrage across the country.
In letters dated February 12, 2026, the Commission notified both the clerk of the Vihiga County Assembly and the acting County Secretary of the ongoing investigation, demanding urgent surrender of documents related to the controversial expenditure in December 2023.
"The EACC, pursuant to its constitutional and statutory mandate, is investigating alleged misuse of public funds, through unwarranted lavish spending, during a housewarming party at the Vihiga County Speaker's residence," one letter states.
The letter is signed by Abraham Kemboi, the Central Nyanza regional manager, on behalf of EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud.
EACC officers Brian Shigoli and Kevin Lagat have been authorized to collect evidence as investigators piece together how public money ended up financing a private celebration.
The Commission is particularly keen to trace the flow of funds, demanding documents showing how the county assembly borrowed money from the county government, whether the borrowing was approved, and if any reimbursement has been made.
The Commission gave county officials 24 hours, until close of business yesterday, February 13, to surrender original documents related to the event, including requisitions from the user department, approved budgets for the 2023/2024 financial year, quotations, tender bids, evaluation committee minutes, award letters, and payment records.
The investigation adds fresh pressure on county leadership following a heated appearance before the Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang', where Ottichilo struggled to justify the expenditure.
"What is the decision process for spending Sh5 million for the Speaker's housewarming?" Senator Kajwang pressed during the session.
In his defence, Ottichilo claimed the funds were intended for official purposes.
"The money that was given was for the official opening of the Speaker's house. That is what I know. However, the narration here is that the borrowing was to finance the Speaker's housewarming. That is what I know," he responded.
The governor acknowledged accountability gaps and promised administrative action against the county officers involved.
"As regards to administrative actions, yes, as I indicated earlier, we will be taking administrative actions against those officers who were involved in this matter."
The Auditor-General's report revealed disturbing details about the December 15, 2023, event, establishing that the Sh5 million, originally meant to pay contractors for services rendered, was diverted to finance the Speaker's party.
Even more troubling, audit queries found that portions of the funds were used to pay Members of County Assembly (MCAs) call logs and mortgages, a clear violation of the Public Finance Management Act.
The Senate committee has given Vihiga County until the close of the current financial year to refund the money or face prosecution.
The revelations have since triggered widespread condemnation from Vihiga residents and civic groups who have petitioned the EACC to swiftly intervene, investigate the county officials, and recover the misappropriated funds.
As the probe intensifies, all eyes remain on Vihiga County leadership, led by the governor and Speaker, to see whether they will cooperate with investigators or face the full force of the law for alleged financial impropriety.