BUSIA, Kenya –Busia Governor Paul Otuoma was on Tuesday 3rd February grilled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives over his alleged central role in two major scandals, including a Sh1.4 billion proxy company fraud and an irregular multi-decade lease for a key public utility.
The anti-graft czars confirmed that Governor Otuoma appeared at their Western Bungoma offices to record a statement as a person of interest. The summons followed extensive investigations into reports of entrenched corruption within the Busia County government.
According to EACC, the primary allegations under interrogation concern the irregular award of tenders and the payment of over Sh 1.4 billion to 26 companies allegedly operated by family and associates of county officials.
“Of specific interest are payments totalling Sh 90,031,678.45 million to three entities, namely Baya Farmcare Limited, Leokiz Investment Limited, and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited, which are directly linked to Governor Otuoma and his family,” the commission says in a press release issued today.
In an earlier presser, Mr. David Too, the EACC’s Director of Legal Services and Asset Recovery, said that Governor Otuoma came to record a statement regarding the issues relating to the tender.
The first-time governor was also questioned over the controversial award of a 25-year lease for the Busia Trailer Park Yard to a private firm, M/s Athi Limited, without any competitive tendering. The project, initiated to alleviate traffic congestion caused by trailers at the Kenya-Uganda border, was intended to accommodate over 200 vehicles.
However, during the financial year 2023/2024, its irregular procurement and economic crimes in the construction works have now become a focal point of the graft probe. It is alleged that the County Government irregularly leased out public land parcel number Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213, approximately 2.4 hectares, at an annual rent of Sh 1,400,000.
“The deal on public land grants the county a mere 30% of parking revenue, while the contractor takes 70%, an arrangement deemed highly prejudicial to the public.”
In a related sweep last year, the EACC conducted searches targeting three County Executive Committee Members (CECM): Topister Wanyama (Finance), Peter Odima (Lands), and Paul Olunga (Youth & Sports); one Chief Officer, Gypson Ojiambo Wafula (Finance); and two Directors, Evans Wandera (Budget) and Leonard Omacha (Supply Chain Management).
These investigations stem from numerous reports from the public and the Senate, alleging systematic theft of county funds through revenue diversion and procurement fraud.
The EACC has acknowledged the high public interest in the case and stated that upon conclusion, it will take appropriate action, including recommending prosecutions and the recovery of corruptly acquired assets.
