EACC raids Embu hotel over alleged Ksh.2B NYS graft involvement

Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have raided Mavvel Hotel in Embu Town as part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and economic crimes at the National Youth Service (NYS).

The Friday operation, which was conducted pursuant to a court order, targeted the Head of Procurement at NYS Training School in Gilgil, David Mbogo Muthee and his associate Naftali Kiperu.

According to court documents filed at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nyeri, investigators were authorised to search the premises after it was established that crucial evidence could be found there.

“Whereas information has been laid before me and on due inquiry thereupon I have been led to believe that the Respondents' vehicles and hotel rooms at Mavvel Hotel in Embu town… contain documents and electronic gadgets and other things that are necessary for the conduct of an investigation into an offence,” the court order seen by Citizen Digital reads.

The warrant further allowed investigators to access the premises and seize materials relevant to the probe.

“This is to authorise and require you to enter the said premises at any hour and day… and to search every part of the said premises and to seize and take possession of all hard and electronic copies of documents and electronic machines relating to the ongoing investigations,” the order states.

EACC Head of Corporate Communication Stephen Karuga confirmed the raid, saying the operation yielded evidentiary material to support investigations into suspected conflict of interest and abuse of office involving senior NYS officials.

The commission is now probing claims that the officials traded with the NYS through various companies, resulting in payments amounting to approximately Ksh.2 billion between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.

The anti-graft body said findings from the investigations will inform appropriate action, including the prosecution of culpable persons and recovery of unexplained wealth and proceeds of corruption.