Six Busia County officials arrested over Ksh.1.4 billion tender fraud

Six senior officials from the Busia County Government have been arrested over allegations of misappropriating public funds through irregular procurement processes involving tenders worth Ksh.1.4 billion.

The suspects, who include three County Executive Committee (CEC) Members, a Chief Officer, and two directors, were apprehended by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) during a coordinated operation. The officers also raided the suspects' homes and offices as part of the ongoing investigation.

Those arrested are Topister Nyati Wanyama, the CEC Member for Finance and Economic Planning; Peter Khasamule Odima Haris, the CEC Member for Housing and Urban Development; and Paul Olung’a Bartholomew Ekwenye, the CEC Member for Youth, Sports, Culture, Gender and Creative Arts.

Also in custody 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.

“The suspects have been escorted to EACC Western Regional Offices in Bungoma where they are currently being processed interrogated,” said the commission.

According to the EACC, the Ksh.1.4 billion tenders under probe were awarded to 26 proxy companies.

The officials are facing multiple charges including irregular procurement, conflict of interest, unexplained wealth, and theft of public funds.