EACC Raids Home of Nairobi Urban Planning Chief, Seizes Millions in Cash

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission detectives raided the home of Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning early on Thursday. The operation focused on Patrick Analo Akivaga.

Sources close to the investigation said officers recovered millions of shillings in cash. Reports described the haul as packed in suitcases, mostly in KSh 1,000 notes. The exact figure has not been officially confirmed by EACC.

The raid forms part of a wider probe into alleged corruption. It centres on irregularities in building approvals and related processes within the department.

Patrick Analo Akivaga /X

Akivaga's role involves oversight of urban planning decisions across Nairobi. The county has faced repeated scrutiny over how such approvals are handled and potential revenue losses.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had not issued any statement on the matter by Thursday afternoon. County officials remained silent on whether the chief officer faced suspension or other immediate action.

This incident adds to a long record of financial scandals at City Hall. Previous cases involved billions in public funds and led to arrests of senior figures across multiple administrations.

In 2018, former Governor Evans Kidero and officials faced charges over a KSh 213 million fraud. Kidero was later acquitted. Other executives received long jail terms in separate procurement cases.

The pattern shows persistent challenges with accountability in Nairobi's planning and finance arms. Residents and oversight bodies have long raised concerns about irregular approvals for developments in the city.

EACC has not released details on the specific evidence collected beyond the cash. Investigations continue, with officers seen removing boxes and luggage from the property.

Videos circulating online captured parts of the operation. They showed activity at the residence amid the morning raid.

The development comes as Nairobi grapples with rapid urban growth. Proper planning remains critical for infrastructure, housing and revenue collection.

Anti-graft agencies have stepped up actions against county officials in recent months. Similar raids have targeted other regions over tender irregularities and unexplained wealth.

For Akivaga, the focus now shifts to what EACC uncovers in the coming days. No arrests were confirmed in initial reports, though questioning is likely.

The county's urban planning department handles sensitive decisions on land use and construction permits. Any lapses there often draw public attention due to the scale of potential benefits involved.

This raid highlights ongoing efforts to curb graft in devolved governments. Nairobi's size makes it a frequent target for such investigations.

Broader calls for transparency in county operations continue. Watchdogs and residents expect full disclosure on the recovered funds and next steps in the case.