By Rodgers Omondi and Nelson Musungu, Busia
Six senior officials from the County Government of Busia have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged procurement irregularities involving tenders worth KSh1.4 billion.
The commission said in a statement that the arrests followed coordinated search operations at the offices and official residences of the suspects.
Those apprehended include three current County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) namely – Topister Wanyama (Water, Environment and Energy), Peter Odima (Transport, Roads and Public Works), and Paul Olung’a Ekwenye (Youth, Sports, Culture, Gender and Creative Arts).
“the investigation centres on tenders allegedly awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies linked to the suspects’ close associates and family members”~ EACC
Others are Gypson Ojiambo Wafula – the Chief Officer for Finance, ICT and Economic Planning, Evans Wandera Wangata – the Director of Budget, and Leonard Omacha – the Director of Supply Chain Management.
According to the EACC, the investigation centres on tenders allegedly awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies linked to the suspects’ close associates and family members.
The Commission said it recovered critical evidence during the search operations, adding that all six officials were taken to the EACC’s Western Regional Office in Kisumu for questioning.
“Upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission will take appropriate action, including prosecution and recovery of unexplained assets,” the EACC said in the statement.
The arrests come months after a failed attempt by the Busia County Assembly to impeach some of the officials, including Wanyama and Wafula, over claims of financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
The motion collapsed following a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Paul Otuoma, which effectively shielded the officials from removal.
Last month, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah claimed that the county government could not account for KSh5.2 billion in development funds for the 2022/2023 financial year.
In response, the county’s Director of Communications, Oscar Obonyo, dismissed the allegations and accused the senator of pursuing personal and political interests, insisting that he lacked the mandate to audit county finances.
