Busia Governor Paul Otuoma Appears Before EACC Over Alleged Ksh1.4 Billion Graft
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at their Western Regional Offices in Bungoma, responding to a summons over serious graft allegations involving approximately Ksh1.4 billion in Busia County funds.
The high-profile appearance marks a significant escalation in a long-running probe into alleged corruption, procurement irregularities, and misuse of public resources in the county government.
Governor Otuoma Records Statement Amid Intensifying Probe
Governor Otuoma arrived at the EACC offices around 9:30 a.m. and spent several hours recording a statement and answering questions from investigators. He expressed willingness to cooperate fully, stating he was there to clarify matters and assist in resolving the issues under scrutiny.
The summons positions the governor as a key person of interest in the investigation, though appearing for questioning remains a standard step in such cases and does not imply guilt.
Core Allegations: Proxy Companies and Irregular Tenders
At the heart of the probe are claims of entrenched corruption through revenue diversion and procurement fraud. Investigators allege that between the 2022/23 and 2024/25 financial years, the county irregularly awarded tenders and made payments totaling over Ksh1.4 billion to 26 proxy companies.
These firms are reportedly operated by relatives and close associates of senior county officials, including links to the governor and his family. Of this sum, around Ksh90 million was allegedly disbursed to four specific private entities connected to the governor’s circle.
The EACC has prioritized the Busia investigations due to widespread public and stakeholder concern, promising appropriate action upon conclusion—including potential prosecutions and recovery of any unexplained wealth.
Busia Trailer Park Project Under Scrutiny
A separate but related focus involves the construction and leasing arrangements for the Busia Trailer Park Yard during the 2023/24 financial year.
The county reportedly leased public land (parcel Bukhayo/Bugengi/13213, about 2.4 hectares) to a private company without following proper tendering procedures. Under a 25-year deal, the county receives an annual rent of Ksh1.4 million, with a 10% increase every five years.
Parking revenue sharing—30% to the county and 70% to the contractor—has sparked worries about unfavorable terms that could lead to significant public financial loss.
The project aimed to ease highway congestion from trailers at the Kenya-Uganda border by providing parking for over 200 vehicles and modern ancillary services.
Earlier Raids and Senator Omtatah’s Role
The current developments build on prior EACC actions, including raids in August 2025 on offices and residences of six senior Busia officials (some in finance, land, youth and sports, and supply chain roles) as part of the same Ksh1.4 billion tender scrutiny. Recent arrests of county officials have further intensified the spotlight.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been a vocal critic, formally petitioning the EACC in August 2025 for urgent probes into what he described as systemic looting. In a letter dated August 25, 2025, he referenced a fraud audit report he commissioned (released in July 2025), which analyzed the Auditor-General’s findings on Busia’s financial statements up to June 30, 2023.
The senator alleged massive losses of Ksh5.2 billion, citing manipulations like duplicate IFMIS account codes, unauthorized spending, and inflated budgets without justification.
EACC’s Commitment and Next Steps
The commission has emphasized its dedication to the case, noting substantial public interest. It vows to pursue recommendations for prosecuting those found culpable and reclaiming any ill-gotten gains.
As the investigation continues, residents and observers in Busia County await further updates on whether charges will follow or if the probe will lead to broader reforms in county financial management.
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Busia Governor Paul Otuoma Appears Before EACC Over Alleged Ksh1.4 Billion Graft