EACC Secures Court Order for KES 10.9 Million Refund from Former Homa Bay Official

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a court order requiring a former senior official at the County Government of Homa Bay County to refund KES 10,991,712 in salaries allegedly earned irregularly.

In a judgment delivered on March 13, 2026, Anti-Corruption Court Judge B.M. Musyoki ordered Mr. Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter, who served as Deputy Director of Health – Preventive and Promotive, to reimburse the full amount received between June 2016 and August 2021.

According to court documents, the case arose from investigations into allegations of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public funds. The inquiry established that during the said period, Odhiambo was employed on permanent and pensionable terms by the Homa Bay County Government while also holding a similar position at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kisumu County.

The EACC moved to court on June 12, 2024, seeking recovery of the funds paid by the county government during the period in which the official was reportedly drawing salaries from two public institutions simultaneously.

In its ruling, the Anti-Corruption Court held that it is unlawful and unethical for a public officer to receive dual salaries from government institutions in a manner that compromises accountability and efficient service delivery.

The court directed that the amount be refunded within 90 days. Failure to comply will grant the Commission authority to proceed with execution of the decree to recover the funds.

The ruling underscores ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to strengthen public finance accountability and ensure that public resources are used strictly for their intended purposes. EACC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing recovery of misappropriated funds and holding public officers accountable where violations are established.

The case adds to a growing number of legal actions aimed at reinforcing integrity standards within Kenya’s public service and safeguarding taxpayer funds.