Six Busia top officials targeted by EACC in Sh1.4 billion tenders probe
The tenders in question were awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies reportedly operated by the suspects’ family members and close associates
Three County Executive Committee Members (CECs), a Chief Officer and two Directors at the Busia County government on Wednesday recorded statements at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, theft of public funds, and unexplained wealth.
In a statement, EACC said Topister Nyati Wanyama, the CEC Member for Finance, ICT and Economic Planning, Paul Olung’a Bartholomew Ekwenye (Youth, Sports, Culture, Gender and Creative Arts) and Peter Khasamule Odima Haris (Housing and Urban Development) and were targeted in the operation by detectives from its Western Region office leading to their arrest
Others were the Chief Officer for Finance, ICT and Economic Planning Gypson Ojiambo Wafula, Evans Wandera Wangata, (Director of Budget) and Leonard Omacha (Director of Supply Chain Management).
The investigation relates to tenders worth Sh1.4 billion, which was awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies reportedly operated by the suspects’ family members and close associates.
“EACC conducted a coordinated search operation at the offices and residences of six senior officials from the County Government of Busia as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, theft of public funds, and unexplained wealth. The search operation yielded valuable evidence to support the ongoing probe,” EACC stated.
It added that upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission will take appropriate action, including prosecution and recovery of unexplained assets, as they are firmly committed to holding public officials accountable and recovering stolen public resources.
The arrest of the two comes barely two days after an EACC survey revealed that corruption is still a big hurdle in various sectors across the country.
The survey indicated that graft is one of the leading vices dogging the country’s employment sector.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers were ranked second at 17.3 per cent, chiefs came third at 16.2 per cent followed by county inspectorate officers at 14.6 per cent, and lawyers at 14.1 per cent.
