The High Court has directed a senior public health official to repay over Ksh10.9 million after it was established that he unlawfully earned salaries from two public institutions simultaneously.
In a ruling delivered in Nairobi on March 13, 2026, Justice B. M. Musyoki found that Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter had been irregularly receiving pay from the Homa Bay County Government while still holding a full-time position at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). The case was filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which accused the official of breaching public service regulations and constitutional principles on integrity by holding multiple roles at the same time.
Evidence presented before the court showed that Walter was appointed as Deputy Director of Health in Homa Bay County in March 2016, despite being employed as a full-time lecturer at KMTC. He was also linked to part-time teaching at Great Lakes University of Kisumu. Investigations revealed that he continued to draw salaries from both KMTC and the county government between June 2016 and August 2021 without formally resigning from his initial position.
Witnesses, including a county human resource officer, a bank official, and an investigator, testified that his overlapping roles made it impossible for him to effectively serve in all the positions.
The court concluded that Walter received Ksh10,991,712 from Homa Bay County for services he did not render. Justice Musyoki ordered him to refund the full amount within 90 days. Additionally, the court directed that interest will accrue on the sum from the date the case was filed until payment is completed. Walter was also ordered to cover the legal costs of the case.
The court granted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission the authority to initiate recovery proceedings should the official fail to comply with the order. The ruling highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on accountability and integrity in public service. It serves as a reminder that public officials are required to adhere strictly to employment laws and ethical standards.
