“Kisii Whistleblower Brutally Attacked Months After Exposing NGAAF Funds Scam”
His only “crime” was revealing how millions were allegedly diverted to fictitious youth groups in Kisii County
A Kisii-based youth activist, Justin Siocha, who exposed alleged corruption in the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), has been brutally attacked just months after surviving an abduction
Siocha was ambushed on the night of November 4, 2025, while walking home. “Ghafla niliskia mlango wa gari langu ikigongwa… nikapata mtu mkubwa na panga… ikanikata mkono,” he recalled, describing how he was slashed by a machete-wielding assailant in front of his family
His only “crime” was revealing how millions were allegedly diverted to fictitious youth groups in Kisii County
Siocha’s ordeal echoes a chilling pattern in Kenya’s fight against corruption. From David Munyakei of the Goldenberg scandal to Jacob Juma, Spencer Sankale, and Douglas Muchela, whistleblowers have faced intimidation, job loss, and even death for daring to speak out
More than a decade after it was first drafted, the Whistleblower Protection Bill remains shelved in Parliament. Despite multiple versions most recently tabled by MPs Irene Kasalu and Muriuki Njagagua the law has yet to be enacted
Legal experts and activists say the delay sends a dangerous signal. “Kumng’atua aliyekuwa naibu rais Rigathi Gachagua ilifanyika kwa wiki moja, ilhali mswada wa wafichua maovu umechukua miaka kumi?” asked lawyer Lempaa Suiyanka, criticizing Parliament’s inaction
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Currently, whistleblowers are left to rely on scattered clauses within laws like the Leadership and Integrity Act (2012) and the Witness Protection Act (2006) none offering full protection
As the government stalls, those exposing corruption continue to risk their lives. For now, Kenya’s message to truth-tellers remains grim: “Speak out, and you may be silenced”
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
