The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo Akivaga after detectives found millions of shillings in cash during a search at his home in Syokimau.
In a statement released Thursday, the anti-graft agency said it carried out the operation as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of office, bribery, and possession of unexplained assets involving the senior county official.
EACC said investigators suspect Akivaga received more than Ksh170 million through a series of suspicious cash and M-Pesa deposits between the 2019/20 and 2025/26 financial years. The commission added that Akivaga appears to have built assets that do not match his known legitimate sources of income, which raises concerns about possible illicit enrichment.
During Thursday’s operation, EACC detectives recovered evidence including Ksh 51,300,000 and US$ 113,000 (about Ksh 14 million). This brought the total cash recovered to roughly Ksh65.3 million from Akivaga’s residence in Syokimau and from his vehicle.
Investigators also recovered other items they believe play a key role in the case, including several title deeds, motor vehicle logbooks, laptops, land and vehicle sale agreements, and Nairobi County Government-approved planning documents.
Agents also seized mobile phones, iPads, electronic accessories, and various documentary materials.
EACC detectives are holding the recovered cash and exhibits as they continue the investigation. After the searches, officials took Akivaga into custody as the case moves forward.
The Urban Development and Planning Department ranks among the most influential offices at City Hall. The department handles development approvals, planning permissions, change-of-user applications, and enforcement of urban planning regulations across Nairobi.
EACC’s arrest signals a major step up in its investigations into alleged corruption in Nairobi County, especially in units that manage permits, approvals, and regulatory work, areas that have long faced graft allegations.
The antigraft watchdog said it will subject the evidence gathered during the operation to further forensic analysis before it decides on the next steps.
“Upon conclusion of the investigations, the findings will inform appropriate action, including prosecution and the recovery of unexplained wealth and proceeds of corruption,” the commission stated.
