The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has cracked the whip on Bungoma County, opening a high-stakes investigation into allegations of gross financial imprudence involving millions of shillings in taxpayer funds.

At the center of the storm is a questionable Sh3.6 million expenditure on a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a controversial Sh6.5 million benchmarking trip by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), raising serious questions about the prioritization of public resources amidst pressing development needs. The probe, which has sent shockwaves through the county administration, underscores a growing intolerance for what auditors describe as "frivolous spending" in devolved units.

The Christmas Tree Controversy

Detectives are zeroing in on a bizarre procurement case from September 2019, where the county government reportedly blew Sh3.6 million on a Christmas tree lighting event—three months before the holiday season. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)The timing and the cost have raised red flags, with the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) terming the expenditure as "inexplicable." Governor Ken Lusaka, who was grilled by the committee, has sought to distance his current administration from the query, noting that the incident occurred under the previous regime. However, the EACC maintains that government is a continuum, and accountability must be served regardless of who sits in the governor's mansion.

• The Benchmarking Debacle: Parallel to the tree saga, investigators are scrutinizing a Sh6.5 million bill incurred by MCAs during a benchmarking trip. Critics argue that such trips often yield little value for the common mwananchi, serving instead as glorified holidays for the political class.
• Senate's Ultimatum: Senator Moses Kajwang, chair of the CPAC, has been unequivocal, stating that "public funds cannot be used to light trees while dispensaries lack medicine." The committee has recommended surcharges for officers found culpable.

A Pattern of Wastage?

This investigation is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of fiscal queries facing the county. From the stalled Masinde Muliro Stadium, which has consumed hundreds of millions yet remains incomplete, to these latest revelations, the picture emerging is one of systemic gaps in internal controls. The EACC's entry signals a shift from mere audit queries to potential criminal prosecution.

Residents of Bungoma are now watching closely, demanding that the "tree of corruption" be uprooted. As the detectives dig deeper, the question remains: will the big fish be held to account, or will this probe fade into the annals of unresolve history? "We want our money back," says local activist Wanjala Wafula. "Whether it was spent on trees or trips, it belongs to the people."