Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has been questioned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over Sh1.4 billion fraud involving various tenders within the county.
In a statement circulated to the media by head of Corporate Affairs and Communication Stephen Karuga, the commission on Tuesday February 3, confirmed that the Governor had already recorded a statement at the EACC’s Bungoma County office over alleged corruption, revenue diversion and procurement irregularities said to have cost the county government the said sum.
The commission confirmed that Governor Otuoma was a person of interest in the ongoing investigations arising from complaints lodged by members of the public and the Senate concerning alleged large-scale theft of public funds by senior county officials.
Commission’s Director of Legal Services and Asset Recovery David Too in a press conference in Bungoma on Tuesday February 3rd, said the Governor, alongside other county officials were summoned to the Commission’s Bungoma offices where he appeared to record a statement.
Too clarified that the Governor had not been arrested, noting that he is among nine county government officials currently being interrogated and investigated.
“The Governor has not been arrested. He appeared to record a statement as part of ongoing investigations together with eight other officials from the county government,” Too said.
According to the Commission, the investigations centre on the alleged irregular award of tenders and payment of more than Sh1.4 billion to 26 proxy companies linked to family members and close associates of senior Busia County officials between the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Of the amount under scrutiny, investigators say Sh90 million was paid to four private entities; Baya Farmcare Limited, Leokiz Investment Limited and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited allegedly associated with the Governor and his family.
The EACC further disclosed that as part of the probe, it conducted search operations last year targeting several senior county officials, including County Executive Committee Members Topister Wanyama (Finance), Peter Odima (Lands) and Paul Olunga (Youth and Sports).
Also searched were Chief Officer for Finance Gypson Ojiambo Wafula, Director of Budget Evans Wandera and Director of Supply Chain Management Leonard Omacha.
Among the key projects under investigation is the Busia Trailer Park Yard, which was intended to ease traffic congestion along the Kenya-Uganda highway by providing parking space for more than 200 trailers and related modern services.
However, the Commission is probing alleged irregular procurement and economic crimes linked to the project during the 2023/2024 financial year. It is alleged that the county government irregularly leased out a 2.4-hectare public land parcel, Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213, without a competitive tendering process.
The land was leased to contractor Athi Limited for a 25-year term at an annual rent of Sh1.4 million, subject to a 10 per cent escalation every five years, with parking revenue shared at 30 per cent to the county government and 70 per cent to the contractor, an arrangement the EACC says may have exposed the public to financial loss.
Too revealed that investigations also cover other procurement-related projects where county officials are alleged to have been conflicted.
“If they are found culpable, the law will take its course,” he said, noting that investigations are ongoing.
