EACC recovers 12 parcels of grabbed public land worth Ksh.320M

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered 12 parcels of prime public land worth Ksh.320 million that had been grabbed in Kakamega and Bungoma counties.

EACC made the recovery even as it called on security agencies to integrate anti-corruption measures in their operations to enhance national security.

The parcels, which include government houses, were allegedly acquired by private individuals in collusion with public officials.

The Commission is now pursuing 56 additional parcels believed to have been illegally taken from state institutions, including residences of Regional and County Commissioners, the State Department for Housing, the Judiciary, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Railways, and the National Treasury.

Among the affected properties are the Busia Airstrip and Amoni Market in Busia County.

Addressing a joint forum of security stakeholders from the western region at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Kakamega County, EACC Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi said the scale of land grabbing in the region was alarming.

Ngumbi further urged security agencies and administrators to play an active role in the fight against corruption, which he described as the biggest obstacle to effective service delivery and a threat to peace and security.

“Corruption undermines peace and security. When it infiltrates our security sector, it erodes public trust, breeds disillusionment, and weakens citizens’ cooperation with law enforcement, thus fueling insecurity," he said.

“Corruption in security agencies can lead to biased law enforcement, allowing criminals to escape justice, thus fueling organised crime and regional conflicts. It can also hinder operational efficiency if funds meant for security are diverted, resulting in inadequate equipment, low morale among officers, and compromised security responses.”

According to him, the recent arrests by the Commission at five service delivery points in the western region—covering police services, revenue collection, civil registration, and health services call for the need for integrity in public service.

“Corruption in the security sector breeds injustice and increases crime. It is, therefore, essential that all security and administrative officers embed anti-corruption measures into their day-to-day implementation of security policies,” he added.

Western Regional Commissioner Samson Macharia, who convened the forum, echoed EACC’s sentiments, stressing the need for public officials to lead by example and the need for inter-agency collaboration.

“When officers accept bribes or shield suspects, they may end up aiding terrorists, which undermines counter-terrorism measures and puts citizens at risk,” said Macharia.

Also present at the meeting, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Commissioner Dorcus Kedogo raised concern over the rise in inflammatory political rhetoric, warning that unchecked hate speech could trigger ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

She urged security officers to intensify monitoring of political statements and promote national unity across the region.