The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified investigations into a multi-billion shilling corruption scandal at the National Youth Service (NYS) following a dramatic search operation at a hotel in Embu Town.
In a statement released on Friday, April 17, 2026, the anti-graft agency confirmed that it had conducted a court-sanctioned raid at Mavvel Hotel targeting David Mbogo Muthee, the Head of Procurement at the NYS Training School in Gilgil, and his associate Naftali Kiperu.
The early morning operation, carried out under a lawful court order, forms part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and economic crimes within NYS, one of Kenya’s most scrutinized public institutions.
According to EACC, detectives recovered key evidentiary materials during the search, which are expected to play a crucial role in unraveling what is suspected to be a complex web of procurement-related fraud.
While details of the seized materials remain undisclosed, insiders say the operation marks a significant breakthrough in the probe.
Sh2 Billion Under Investigation
At the heart of the investigations are allegations that senior NYS officials engaged in conflict of interest and abuse of office, trading with the institution through private companies.
The suspected scheme is believed to have resulted in payments totaling approximately KSh 2 billion over a five-year period between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Investigators are now piecing together how:
- Contracts were awarded
- Companies linked to insiders were used
- Public funds were allegedly siphoned through procurement channels
NYS Procurement Office in the Spotlight
The targeting of David Mbogo Muthee places the NYS procurement department at the center of the unfolding scandal.
Procurement has historically been a high-risk area for corruption in public institutions, and EACC’s focus suggests investigators suspect:
- Manipulated tender processes
- Insider dealings and self-enrichment schemes
- Systematic abuse of procurement procedures
The involvement of an associate, Naftali Kiperu, also points to what authorities believe could be a wider network beyond individual officials.
NYS Back in the Spotlight
This latest development thrusts the National Youth Service back into the national spotlight, years after previous high-profile corruption scandals rocked the agency.
Despite reforms and leadership changes over the years, the institution continues to grapple with recurring integrity challenges, particularly in procurement.
Analysts warn that repeated scandals risk:
- Undermining public trust
- Disrupting youth empowerment programs
- Exposing systemic weaknesses in oversight
EACC has indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, with more actions expected.
Upon completion, the Commission says it will:
- Recommend prosecution of culpable individuals
- Pursue recovery of unexplained wealth and proceeds of corruption
The Embu raid signals a broader push by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to tighten the noose on corruption within public institutions.
With billions of shillings under scrutiny and senior officials now directly in focus, the investigation could evolve into one of the most significant NYS corruption probes in recent years.
David Mbogo Muthee’s source of wealth questioned
This is not the first time David Mbogo Muthee has been put on the spot. In 2022, he was asked by the court to explain how he acquired his wealth.
David Mbogo Muthee, who had worked at NYS Gilgil for 16 years by then, told Milimani Law Courts trial magistrate Eunice Kagure Nyutu that he amassed his wealth through his genuine businesses.
Mbogo was testifying in a case in which former NYS Principal Secretary (PS) Lilian Omollo and 30 others have denied corruption charges relating to the Ksh226.9 million NYS scandal.
During the tough cross-examination by the defence counsel of the accused, Mbogo told the court that being the storekeeper at the NYS, has at no given time come in contact with LPO’s or any account documents.
He told the anti-corruption court that on May 23, 2018, he received a call from one Mula of DCI headquarters to record a statement in respect of an LPO book series 2581851 to 2581900.
Mbogo told the court that on April 5, 2016, he was called by the OC MTB NYS one Evans Kundu and requested him to pass by the accountant’s office at the NYS college in Gilgil where one Kagiri worked to pick a document for him.
“On April 6, 2016, I passed by Kagiri’s office who confirmed to me that he had been requested by Kundu for an LPO and that the commandant had authorised for the issuance of the same,” Mbogo said.
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