EACC summons 22 Bungoma MCAs in Sh6.5m Christmas tree probe

Integrity Centre.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned 22 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and staff attached to the Bungoma County Assembly over an alleged fraudulent expenditure of Sh6,569,000 linked to a purported benchmarking trip to Uganda and the lighting of a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office in 2019.

In summons issued by detectives at the EACC Western Regional Office in Bungoma, the officials have been directed to appear before investigators on diverse dates between February 26, 2026 and March 9, 2026 to record statements and assist with ongoing investigations.

At the centre of the probe is a claim that county assembly officials undertook a benchmarking trip to Uganda ahead of the installation and lighting of a Christmas tree at the Governor’s Office in 2019. Investigators are examining whether the trip actually took place, who travelled, and whether public funds allocated for travel, accommodation, and allowances were lawfully utilized.

Sources close to the investigation indicate that EACC is scrutinizing travel documents, payment vouchers, imprest records, and attendance reports to establish the authenticity of the trip and related expenditures.

The total cost under review — Sh6,569,000 — reportedly covers expenses for both the alleged benchmarking visit and the Christmas tree lighting event. Detectives are seeking to determine whether there was inflation of costs, double payments, or outright fictitious claims.

The probe forms part of EACC’s broader mandate to investigate suspected corruption and economic crimes within county governments, where concerns over misuse of public resources have persisted.

The summoned MCAs and assembly staff are expected to record statements and present any documentation supporting the expenditure.

Depending on the findings, the file may be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action, which could include recovery proceedings or criminal charges if culpability is established.

Efforts to obtain immediate comment from officials at the Bungoma County Assembly were unsuccessful by press time.

The investigation adds to mounting scrutiny over historical spending by county governments, with anti-graft agencies under pressure to fast-track cases and ensure accountability for public funds.