Busia Governor Paul Otuoma is under investigation over serious corruption claims after he appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to record a statement on alleged loss of public funds at the county government.
The claims involve suspected theft and misuse of county money amounting to about Ksh1.4 billion.
The governor appeared before EACC officers on Tuesday at the Commission’s Western Regional Offices in Bungoma. He was summoned as a person of interest as investigators continue to look into wide-ranging allegations touching on revenue diversion and irregular procurement within the Busia County Government.
According to the Commission, the investigations were triggered by multiple complaints raised by members of the public and the Senate.
EACC says the probe focuses on how county tenders were awarded and how payments were made to companies suspected to be proxies for senior county officials. Investigators are examining transactions involving 26 companies that allegedly received more than Ksh1.4 billion between the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years. These companies are said to be operated by family members and close associates of senior officials within the county administration.
Of particular interest to investigators is Ksh90 million that was allegedly paid to four private firms. These include Baya Farmcare Limited, Leokiz Investment Limited, and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited.
The Commission claims these entities are linked to Governor Otuoma and members of his family, raising concerns about conflict of interest and abuse of office.
As part of the ongoing investigations, EACC last year carried out search operations targeting several senior officials at the county.
Those affected included Finance CEC Topister Wanyama, Lands CEC Peter Odima, Youth and Sports CEC Paul Olunga, Finance Chief Officer Gypson Ojiambo Wafula, Budget Director Evans Wandera, and Supply Chain Management Director Leonard Omacha. The searches were meant to gather documents and electronic evidence to support the investigations.
The Commission is also probing alleged economic crimes linked to the construction of the Busia Trailer Park Yard during the 2023/2024 financial year. According to EACC, the county government is suspected to have irregularly leased public land for the project without following the required tendering procedures. This, the Commission says, may have exposed public resources to possible loss.
EACC spokesperson Stephen Karuga stated that the land in question, parcel number Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213 measuring about 2.4 hectares, was allegedly leased without a competitive process.
The land was reportedly leased to Athi Limited for 25 years at an annual rent of Ksh1.4 million, with a clause allowing a 10 per cent increase every five years.
Under the agreement, parking revenue was to be shared, with the county receiving 30 per cent and the contractor taking 70 per cent.
The trailer park project was meant to help reduce traffic congestion caused by trucks and trailers crossing the Kenya-Uganda border. It was also expected to provide parking space for over 200 trailers in Busia Town.
EACC says investigations into Busia County have been given priority due to strong public interest in the matter. Once the investigations are completed, the Commission says it will take appropriate action.
This may include recommending prosecution of those found culpable and seeking the recovery of any public funds or unexplained wealth linked to corruption.
