Busia governor Otuoma grilled over Sh1.4 billion graft claims
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma was Tuesday questioned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged corruption involving more than Sh1.4 billion in public funds.
He was summoned by the EACC following a probe
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the EACC confirmed that Otuoma appeared before investigators at the Commission’s Western Regional Offices in Bungoma after being summoned to record a statement as a person of interest in ongoing investigations.
The probe follows multiple complaints from members of the public and the Senate alleging entrenched corruption within the Busia County Government, largely through revenue diversion and procurement fraud involving proxy companies.
According to the Commission, investigators are examining allegations that the county irregularly awarded tenders and paid over Sh1.4 billion to 26 proxy companies allegedly operated by family members and close associates of senior county officials, including the governor, during the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 financial years.
Of the amount under scrutiny, Sh90,031,678.45 is said to have been paid to four private entities—Baya Farmcare Limited, Leokiz Investment Limited and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited—allegedly linked to Otuoma and members of his family.
As part of the investigations, the EACC last year conducted search operations targeting several senior 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 and Supply Chain Management Director Leonard Omacha.
The Commission is also investigating alleged irregular procurement and economic crimes in the construction of the Busia Trailer Park Yard during the 2023/2024 financial year.
Investigators allege that the county government irregularly leased public land parcel number Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213, measuring approximately 2.4 hectares, for the project without a competitive tendering process.
The land was leased to M/s Athi Limited for 25 years at an annual rent of Sh1.4 million, with a 10 per cent escalation every five years. Under the agreement, parking revenue is to be shared at a ratio of 30 per cent for the county and 70 per cent for the contractor.
The trailer park project was intended to ease traffic congestion in Busia Town by providing parking space for more than 200 trailers and offering ancillary services, following public complaints over congestion caused by trucks crossing the Kenya–Uganda border.
The EACC said investigations are ongoing and appropriate action will be taken upon completion of the inquiries.
The commission said they are investigating more counties under probe over graft claims.