Garissa Chief Officer Charged Over Alleged Diversion of Sh51.4 Million

By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter

May 31, 2026 - Garissa County Chief Officer Aden Harun has been charged with allegedly diverting Sh51.4 million in public funds, marking the latest high-profile corruption case involving county officials.

The prosecution said Harun, who is currently serving as Chief Officer for Irrigation, jointly conspired with others to commit an offence of corruption, namely fraud.

According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have facilitated the fraudulent transfer of KSh51,495,253 from the Garissa County Government to Qorjarey Enterprise and General Supplies Limited for goods and services that were neither procured by the county government nor supplied by the company.

The officer was also accused of approving the payment of KSh14,528,968 to Qorjarey Enterprise and General Supplies Limited between April 6 and April 7, 2022.

“Being a person employed in the public service as the Chief Officer for Finance, Garissa County Government, you used your office to confer a benefit on Qorjarey Enterprise and General Supplies Limited by approving KSh14,528,968,” read part of the charge sheet seen by Dawan.

Harun is also facing a third count of abuse of office.

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The prosecution further stated that between April 14 and April 19, 2022, he used his office to improperly confer a benefit on Qorjarey Enterprise and General Supplies Limited by approving KSh8,300,468 for goods that were never procured or supplied.

Following the arraignment of the officer, activists in Garissa welcomed the move, saying the arrest and prosecution of officials involved in corrupt dealings was long overdue.

They, however, argued that corruption within the county remains widespread and that funds meant to improve the lives of residents have been misappropriated by public officials. The activists urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to expedite investigations into the current county administration.

“This is welcome, but there is more. We are waiting for the EACC to ensure all persons involved are arrested and jailed. Currently, devolution has failed simply because officials have misappropriated money meant for development,” said Muktar Osman, Garissa County Chairperson of the Human Rights Network.