Explosive Corruption Scandal Rocks Homa Bay County as Ksh 200 Million Looted by Senior Officials

A shocking corruption scandal has erupted in Homa Bay County, exposing the systematic embezzlement of Ksh 200 million by top county officials.

The scandal, which involves fabricated road projects and fraudulent payments, has implicated senior leaders, including Chief Officer for Finance Mr. Alphonce Werah, Director of Procurement Mr. Peter Odiango, Accountant for Roads and Public Works Mr. James Wanga, and Procurement Officer for Roads Mr. Churchill Omondi Oyamo.

The scheme came to light following revelations that the officials orchestrated a sophisticated fraud involving fictitious pending bills for non-existent road projects. At the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, the accused allegedly convened at the Governor’s residence in Olare Kochia, where they forged documents to justify payments for roads that were never constructed. To legitimize the fraud, they used forged and uplifted signatures of former county officers, including Mr. Noah Otieno (former Chief Officer for Finance), Mr. Samson Okumu (former Director of Procurement), and Mr. Dan Lieta (former County Head of Accounts).

The funds, initially earmarked to settle legitimate pending bills owed to contractors, were instead diverted to proxies and shell companies controlled by the implicated officials. This brazen theft has not only stalled critical development projects but also denied genuine contractors their rightful payments, further crippling the county’s progress.

Key Players

Churchill Omondi Oyamo, the Procurement Officer for Roads, is accused of channeling stolen funds through a proxy company, TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd. Deposits were reportedly made into a Family Bank account in Migori, enabling Mr. Oyamo to establish multiple businesses and nearly complete a multi-story building in the Arunda Katuma area. The sudden accumulation of wealth has raised eyebrows, with residents questioning the source of his newfound fortune.

Similarly, James Wanga, the Accountant for Roads, is alleged to have used his company, LETHI Co. Ltd, to launder money. The company operates several M-Pesa outlets, some located near Homa Bay Travelers Hotel and opposite Equity Bank. Shockingly, staff employed in these outlets are reportedly listed with PF numbers as county government employees, drawing salaries funded by taxpayers. Mr. Wanga is also said to have rapidly amassed significant wealth, including a nearly completed multi-story building in the Milimani area near Got Rabuor.

The scandal has also ensnared **George Wanga**, the Governor’s spouse, who is accused of using his companies, WAPONYA Enterprise Ltd and TROIKA Enterprise Ltd, to engage in corrupt practices. Drivers employed by these companies are allegedly drawing salaries from the county government, further highlighting the blatant misuse of public resources.

The theft of Ksh 200 million has had devastating consequences for Homa Bay County, stalling development and eroding public trust in the administration. This scandal underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation and accountability.

Authorities, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and the Office of the Auditor General, must act swiftly to audit the county’s finances and scrutinize the forged road documents. Safaricom Ltd, under its M-Pesa unit, should also investigate LETHI Co. Ltd’s Head Office and its M-Pesa outlets for potential money laundering activities. Additionally, the banking sector must closely examine financial transactions linked to TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd and other implicated entities.