EACC seeks Sh111.5 million from Embu MCA over county contracts

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) moved to recover Sh111.5 million from Mbeti North Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Muriithi Nyaga, alleging that he unlawfully benefited from contracts awarded by the Embu County Government to companies associated with him.

The anti-graft agency filed the suit on August 28, 2026, at the Milimani Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court, naming Mr Nyaga and six companies as defendants.

Nyaga, who is serving his second term as MCA and is the Leader of Majority in the Embu County Assembly, is accused of acquiring Sh111,577,188.75 through 20 road construction and maintenance contracts awarded by the county government between the 2017/2018 and 2023/2024 financial years.

According to EACC, its investigations established that the MCA had a direct or indirect interest in the companies that secured the contracts, creating a conflict between his public responsibilities and private interests.

The commission said part of the proceeds was used to acquire assets, including a parcel of land in Embu County valued at approximately Sh13 million and at least six motor vehicles.

Nyaga was first elected to the county assembly in 2017 and retained his seat in 2022. During his first term, he served on committees dealing with infrastructure, roads, public works, housing and energy.

EACC argues that as an elected State officer and member of the county assembly, Nyaga had a constitutional and legal obligation to exercise oversight over the Embu County Government.

The commission is seeking a declaration that Mr Nyaga had a direct or indirect private interest in the contracts and that the contracts were unlawful.

It is also seeking an order requiring Nyaga and the six companies to restitute Sh111,577,188.75, as well as the forfeiture to the Government of Kenya of the identified parcel of land and six vehicles allegedly acquired using proceeds from the contracts.

On September 1, 2026, EACC obtained interim orders preserving Land Reference Number Mbeti/Kiamuringa/49 and the six motor vehicles pending the inter partes hearing of its application for an injunction.

The application will be heard on September 14, 2026.

EACC said the case was part of its efforts to protect public resources and hold individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes accountable.

The commission also urged State organs and public entities to strengthen compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, particularly through effective measures for declaring, managing and preventing conflicts of interest involving public officers.