Governor Barasa demands action following EACC’s explosive Kakamega bribery report
By Aloys Michael, April 11, 2026Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has warned county officials, signalling imminent disciplinary action after a damning Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (EACC) report exposed entrenched corruption within the county administration.
Speaking on Friday, April 10, 2026, during the funeral service of the late Principal Caroline Khamete at Kakamega County Polytechnic, Barasa made his first public remarks on the EACC National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025.
“Kakamega is one of the most corrupt counties in terms of services. Leading is the magistrates’ services here. When you talk about the county government, it is the national government officials and the county government officials. I know that report. I’ve read it very well,” he said.
The governor expressed concern over the conduct of both county and national government officials operating in Kakamega, warning that corruption was deeply entrenched in service delivery systems.
The findings revealed that Kakamega recorded the highest average bribe at Ksh79,305, significantly higher than other counties, with large payments reportedly linked to judicial services.
“The top five counties with the largest average bribes were Kakamega (Ksh 79,305), West Pokot (Ksh 16,400), Isiolo (Ksh 13,912), Vihiga (Ksh12,389), and Garissa (Ksh12,297),” the EACC survey read.
The EACC report also identified counties with the lowest average bribes, pointing to wide disparities across the country in how corruption is experienced.
“The least average bribes were recorded in Kitui (Ksh 2,168), Siaya (Ksh 215), Nyamira (Ksh 1,655), Kilifi (Ksh 1,559), and Baringo (Ksh 1,314) counties,” the report read.
Barasa warned county staff that disciplinary action could follow, saying he would not tolerate corruption within his administration.
“I want to tell the county officials in Kakamega County, having read that report, that I am putting you on notice. We are going to be on the lookout and only employ honest people,” he said.
He further urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to increase its presence in Kakamega to help investigate and arrest those implicated in bribery and corruption.
“I want to call upon the EACC to come and camp in Kakamega so that we can arrest all those who are involved in corruption,” he added.
Bungoma fire
Barasa’s tough stance comes amid rising pressure for accountability in devolved units, and it follows closely on the heels of a dramatic purge in neighbouring Bungoma, where Governor Kenneth Lusaka fired top county executives in a sweeping crackdown aimed at restoring public trust and tightening governance.
Lusaka had earlier issued a similar directive, dissolving his entire county executive team in a move he said was aimed at improving governance and service delivery.
In a statement, Lusaka said the decision was made under his constitutional mandate to enhance efficiency in county operations and uphold institutional integrity.
Despite the mass dismissals, Lusaka did not name immediate replacements but indicated that interim arrangements and fresh appointments would be communicated later in accordance with the law.