EACC RECOVERS KSH.39M ILLEGALLY PAID TO TREASURY OFFICIALS IN UNAUTHORIZED ALLOWANCES

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully reclaimed more than Ksh.39 million in irregular allowances paid to two National Treasury officials. The High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in Nairobi found that Robert Theuri Murage and Doris Nafula Simiyu unlawfully received the funds between January 2020 and June 2022 under unauthorized categories including facilitation, taskforce, entertainment, and extraneous allowances.

The ruling delivered on June 4, 2025 by Lady Justice L.M. Njuguna determined that the payments violated directives from the salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and had no legal basis. The judge emphasized that the payments were made without SRC approval, contrary to established regulations. As a result, Murage was ordered to repay Ksh.20.3 million, with Ksh.11 million recovered from the Equity Bank account and the remaining Ksh.9.2 million to be paid in cash. Simiyu must refund Ksh.18.8 million, including Ksh.8.9 million seized from her National Bank account and an additional Ksh.9.9 million in cash.

 The EACC hailed the ruling as reaffirmation that SRC guidelines are legally binding under Article 230 of the Constitution. The Court of Appeal has previously held that disregarding SRC advice renders such payments illegal, making officials personally liable for reimbursement. Interest will apply until full repayment is made, and the EACC will also recover legal costs from the case.