Ex-Busia Governor Ojaamong acquitted in Ksh.8M graft case over 'insufficient evidence'

Former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and eight other co-accused persons have been acquitted in a corruption case involving Ksh 8 million.

The court ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges against the accused.

In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Eunice Nyutu, the court found that the prosecution had not proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

"I am not persuaded that the conviction was viable. I find that the prosecution failed to prove all the charges against the accused persons, and I acquit them accordingly," Magistrate Nyutu stated.

Ojaamong was charged alongside Benard Yaite (Water CEC), Lenard Ombira (Finance CEC), Allen Omachari (Chief Officer Finance & Economic Planning), Allen Omachari (Head of Treasury Accounting), Samuel Ombui (Finance Manager Madam R Enterprises Limited).

Also charged in the case was Edna Odoyo, Renish Omullo, Sebastian Hallensben and Madam R Enterprises Limited.

They were accused of conspiring to defraud the Busia County Government of Ksh.8 million for a purported feasibility study on an integrated solid waste management project to be carried out by Madam R Enterprises Ltd.

According to the court, however, there was no evidence that the accused persons made false presentations or even failed to pay taxes as alleged by the prosecution.