Two Bungoma-based auctioneers are under investigation after they were accused of colluding with a local company to unlawfully seize assets of a technical institute.
The Ethics and Anti-graft Commission (EACC) has already summoned the auctioneers over the sale of assets of Matili Technical Training Institute, with reports that the two, who are proprietors of an auction firm in Bungoma, benefited from money realised from the sale of the institution's vehicle worth Ksh5.4 million, which was sold for paltry Ksh1.2 million.
EACC confirmed that the two were summoned alongside a third auction firm owner. The three are accused of colluding with individuals from the said company, currently under investigation for the unlawful seizure of Matili's assets, over false debt claims.
"The accused are the proprietors of Eshikhoni Auctioneers, who benefited from the proceeds of the sale of a Matili driving school vehicle worth Kshs 5.4 million, which was sold for Kshs 1.2 million. They were summoned alongside the owner of another auction firm who is currently engaged by the company to seize and auction more assets on account of a payment claim that EACC investigations have since established to be fake and non-existent," EACC confirmed.
The auctioneers are being questioned as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of graft, unlawful acquisition of public property, and conspiracy to commit economic crimes related to public properties belonging to the Matili Technical Training Institute.
The summons followed the apprehension, on Thursday, of three directors of the construction company. They are being investigated over procurement irregularities, theft of public funds, and fraudulent acquisition of public property over tenders awarded to the construction company, according to the commission.
The commission recorded their statements and released them on bond, with a requirement to report back to EACC on May 29, 2025, for further investigation.
According to EACC, the initial fraud scheme was linked to a construction project at the government-run institution, which was initially awarded a sum of Ksh29 million.
The EACC reported that the tender for the construction of a twin workshop complex at MTTI was later inflated to Ksh59 million - a figure which was nearly double the original cost. Questions were raised, particularly because there was no justification for the hike.
Meanwhile, the institute, which has over 10,000 students pursuing various programs, continues to face an uncertain future.
The case has continued to spark public outcry in Bungoma, with residents and education stakeholders calling for urgent government intervention to halt the auction, restore operational stability, and safeguard public assets from what the EACC describes as a fraudulent claim.
The disputed debt arises from a 2010 contract for the construction of a workshop complex.
While the contractor claims that Ksh9 million remains unpaid, the EACC maintains that the full amount was cleared between 2016 and 2017 and accuses the company of misleading the court by concealing proof of payment.
