Editor's Review

Six government officials have been arrested following a coordinated operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over irregular tenders amounting to Ksh1.4 billion.

Six senior officials from the County Government of Busia have been arrested following a coordinated operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over irregular tenders amounting to Ksh1.4 billion.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 7, the EACC said the swoop included searches at the officials’ offices and private residences.

"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today conducted a coordinated search operation at the offices and residences of six senior officials from the County Government of Busia as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, theft of public funds, and unexplained wealth," the statement read.

EACC explained that the investigations focus on suspicious contracts issued over two financial years to dozens of shell companies with alleged ties to the suspects' close associates and relatives.

"The investigation relates to tenders worth Ksh1.4 billion, awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies reportedly operated by the suspects’ family members and close associates," the statement added.

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File image of the Busia County Government officials

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

EACC also went after Gypson Ojiambo Wafula, Chief Officer for Finance, ICT & Economic Planning; Evans Wandera Wangata, Director of Budget; and Leonard Omacha, Director of Supply Chain Management.

The Commission added that the raids recovered critical documents and digital evidence believed to support the allegations.

"The search operation yielded valuable evidence to support the ongoing probe. All suspects were escorted to EACC Western Regional Offices for statement recording.

"Upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission will take appropriate action, including prosecution and recovery of unexplained assets," the statement concluded.