Busia, Kenya – Busia Governor Paul Otuoma on Tuesday appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to record a statement over alleged entrenched corruption and theft of public funds amounting to Ksh.1.4 billion.
The governor was grilled by investigators at the Commission’s Western Regional Offices in Bungoma after being summoned as a person of interest in ongoing investigations.
Allegations Under Investigation
According to EACC, the probe stems from numerous complaints by members of the public and the Senate, pointing to alleged revenue diversion and procurement fraud involving proxy companies linked to senior county officials.
Investigators are examining the alleged irregular award of tenders and payments totaling Ksh.1.4 billion to 26 proxy companies operated by family members and associates of senior Busia County officials between the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Of this amount, Ksh.90 million was allegedly paid to four private entities Baya Farmcare Limited, Leokiz Investment Limited, and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited which investigators claim are linked to Governor Otuoma and his family.
Previous Raids and Targeted Officials
As part of the investigations, EACC last year conducted search operations targeting several county officials, including:
- Finance CEC Topister Wanyama
- Lands CEC Peter Odima
- Youth and Sports CEC Paul Olunga
- Finance Chief Officer Gypson Ojiambo Wafula
- Budget Director Evans Wandera
- Supply Chain Management Director Leonard Omacha
Trailer Park Yard Project Probe
The Commission is also probing alleged irregular procurement linked to the construction of the Busia Trailer Park Yard during the 2023/2024 financial year.
EACC alleges that the county government irregularly leased public land parcel number Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213, approximately 2.4 hectares without a tendering process.
The land was leased to M/s Athi Limited for 25 years at an annual rent of Ksh.1.4 million, set to escalate by 10 per cent every five years. Parking revenue was to be shared at 30 per cent for the county and 70 per cent for the contractor.
The project was intended to ease traffic congestion caused by trailers crossing the Kenya-Uganda border and provide parking space for more than 200 trailers.
Public Interest and Next Steps
EACC Spokesperson Stephen Karuga said investigations into Busia County have been prioritized due to heightened public interest.
Upon conclusion of the probe, the Commission will take appropriate action, including recommendations for the prosecution of culpable officials and the recovery of any corruptly acquired wealth.
Conclusion
Governor Otuoma’s grilling underscores the growing scrutiny of county governments over alleged misuse of public funds. With investigations touching on procurement fraud, proxy companies, and irregular land leases, Busia County now finds itself at the center of one of the most high-profile graft probes in recent years.
