EACC Sounds Alarm Over Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a stern warning to accountants and other financial professionals in Kenya, raising concerns about the growing use of specialised professional knowledge to facilitate corruption and conceal economic crimes.

In a development that could intensify the national conversation about accountability and the management of public resources, EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde has challenged accountants to uphold professional integrity and refuse to participate in activities that enable financial wrongdoing.

Speaking on Friday, November 13, 2026, during the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Seminar in Mombasa, Oginde warned that some professionals could use their technical expertise to disguise corrupt dealings, making investigations considerably more difficult.

According to a report by Citizen Digital, the EACC chairperson expressed concern that professionals entrusted with protecting financial accountability could instead become part of the problem when they compromise their independence for personal gain.

He particularly challenged accountants to maintain accurate financial records, reject attempts to manipulate figures and ensure that their professional judgment is not influenced by individuals seeking to conceal financial irregularities.

The commission’s concern is that sophisticated financial knowledge can make corruption harder to detect, especially when individuals who understand accounting systems and auditing procedures use those skills to conceal questionable transactions.

In a separate report, The Star highlighted Oginde’s warning that corruption involving professionals can be particularly difficult for investigators because of the technical expertise used to execute such activities.

The EACC chairperson also challenged auditors to stand by their findings even when they face pressure to alter reports or overlook questionable financial transactions.

His message extended beyond accountants to other professionals whose responsibilities involve safeguarding public and private financial resources.

Oginde further questioned the contradiction between Kenyans condemning corruption publicly and accepting opportunities for personal benefit when they arise.

He maintained that the fight against corruption requires individuals to demonstrate integrity through their everyday decisions rather than simply condemning wrongdoing when it becomes public.

The commission also raised concerns about the culture of silence surrounding corruption, warning that failing to report wrongdoing allows unethical practices to continue.

According to the official statement published on the EACC website, Oginde called for greater moral courage among professionals and members of the public, insisting that individuals should be prepared to challenge misconduct regardless of who is involved.

The warning comes at a time when the commission continues pursuing cases involving unexplained wealth, financial irregularities and suspected corruption involving public officials.

Kenyans.co.ke also reported on the EACC’s latest concerns, highlighting the commission’s position on the responsibility of accountants in protecting financial accountability.

The publication further recalled the recent High Court decision ordering the forfeiture of assets worth approximately KSh207.7 million belonging to former Trans Nzoia County accountant Andrew Biketi Musuya after he failed to satisfactorily explain the source of his wealth.

The assets included apartment buildings, residential property, parcels of land, bank and mobile money funds, as well as motor vehicles.

The case illustrates the importance of financial accountability and the role played by investigative institutions in addressing unexplained wealth.

Meanwhile, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reported that ICPAK Chairperson Professor Elizabeth Kalunda reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to working with the EACC to strengthen integrity and accountability within the accounting profession.

Kalunda also pledged that the institute would present a report at its next summit outlining progress made by its members in promoting ethical conduct and good governance.

The announcement signals an effort to strengthen cooperation between professional organisations and anti-corruption agencies in addressing financial misconduct.

The developments have placed renewed attention on the responsibilities of accountants, auditors and other professionals who handle financial records and transactions across government institutions and private organisations.

For ordinary Kenyans, the issue carries significant implications because public money is expected to be managed transparently and used to finance essential services, including healthcare, education, infrastructure and other development projects.

As the EACC continues its anti-corruption efforts, the latest warning sends a clear message that professional qualifications should serve as instruments of accountability rather than tools for concealing financial wrongdoing.

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