EACC Launches Probe into Bungoma County’s Sh3.7 Million Christmas Tree Spending

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has opened an investigation into Bungoma County over alleged misuse of public funds for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a benchmarking trip to Uganda.

In a letter dated February 9, 2026, addressed to the Bungoma County Secretary, the Commission said it is investigating possible corruption, fraud, and theft of public funds related to a benchmarking trip by Members of the County Assembly and senior officials of the County Executive to Mbale, Uganda, and the subsequent Christmas tree lighting at the Governor’s Office.

The total expenditure under review is Sh6.57 million for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021.

The EACC has requested the county to submit original documents related to the trip and Christmas celebrations, including requisitions from user departments, approved budgets and supplementary budgets, imprest warrants, cashbooks and surrender vouchers, bank deposit slips, personal files of the Sub-County and Ward Administrators, all relevant correspondence including emails, and any other supporting documents. The documents must be submitted by February 16, 2026.

“Our officers, E. Kipyego and G. Ligami, or any other authorized officers of the Commission, will be available to receive the documents,” the letter reads.

The probe follows concerns raised by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) over the Sh3.6 million spent on Christmas tree lighting in September 2019, months before the festive season, as well as issues with the Masinde Muliro Stadium project.

During a committee session, CPAC Chairperson Moses Kajwang’ questioned the timing and justification of the expenditure, asking why Sh3.6 million was spent in September and why it remains unaccounted for.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also expressed concern over the early requisition date, saying it raises questions about possible misuse of public funds. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei humorously suggested that the county may have been following a “different calendar,” questioning the early expenditure.

Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli defended the event, saying it was ceremonial, with participants wearing Christmas hats and tents set up at the Governor’s Office compound.

Governor Ken Lusaka distanced himself from the 2019 expenditure, urging the committee not to attribute the matter to him. Bungoma County Attorney Edward Waswa described the spending as a facilitation, but Senator Sifuna said the documents presented would guide accountability.

Kajwang’ also questioned why the county attorney’s interpretation differed from that of the county secretary, who is the official custodian of records.

CPAC members condemned what they described as widespread wastage and theft in county governments, urging the EACC to take action.

“This is unethical. This matter should go to EACC. It cannot be acceptable,” Kajwang’ said.