Roy Sasaka Telewa is now at the centre of a serious corruption storm after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission formally recommended his suspension from office to allow graft investigations to proceed without interference.
Telewa, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, is under active investigation over allegations that raise grave questions about integrity, accountability, and the use of public resources meant to support vulnerable groups across the country.
In a letter dated January 12, 2026, the commission wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Hanna Cheptumo, urging her to suspend Telewa for a period of six months.
According to EACC, the suspension is necessary to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and to prevent any possible interference, direct or indirect.
The letter, signed by EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, makes it clear that the commission considers the allegations serious enough to warrant immediate administrative action.
The commission has already summoned Telewa and confirmed that he is being investigated for alleged violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution, which sets the standards for leadership and integrity.
The investigations also involve possible offences under the Anti-Graft and Economic Crimes Act, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. These are not minor procedural issues but laws meant to protect public money from abuse and corruption.
EACC has outlined a range of allegations against the NGAAF CEO, including possession of unexplained wealth, misuse of office, conflict of interest, and money laundering. Investigators believe that Telewa may have accumulated wealth far beyond what can be reasonably explained by his known income.
At the heart of the probe is an estimated Ksh1 billion in unexplained assets, a figure that has shocked many Kenyans given the fund’s mandate to support women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
On January 8, 2026, detectives conducted court-approved searches at Telewa’s residence and office. During the operation, the commission recovered documents and digital information it described as incriminating.
According to EACC, the materials seized are believed to be critical in establishing how public funds were handled during Telewa’s tenure at NGAAF and whether procurement processes were deliberately manipulated for personal gain.
The investigation does not stop at his current role. EACC is also examining procurement irregularities allegedly linked to Telewa’s previous position as Head of Procurement at the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation.
This scope suggests a pattern that investigators believe may point to long-standing abuse of public office rather than an isolated incident.
EACC has cited the Leadership and Integrity Act, its regulations, and the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics to justify the recommended suspension. Under these laws, a public officer facing serious allegations can be removed from active duty to ensure investigations are carried out fairly and without pressure.
While under suspension, the officer is entitled to half pay until the matter is concluded.
This case has raised serious concerns about oversight, accountability, and the protection of public funds. NGAAF was created to uplift marginalized communities, yet the allegations paint a picture of a fund potentially captured by personal interests.
The focus now shifts to whether decisive action will be taken and whether the law will be applied without fear or favour.
The outcome will not only determine Roy Sasaka Telewa’s future in public service but will also send a strong signal about whether those entrusted with public resources can truly be held accountable when serious questions arise.
