Explosive Corruption Scandal Unravels Ksh 200 Million Fraud in Homa Bay County Roads Department

Homa Bay County is grappling with a massive corruption scandal after a recent investigation uncovered the theft of Ksh 200 million by senior officials in the county’s Department of Roads.

Gladys Wanga- Homabay county governor

The scandal has implicated high-ranking leaders, including Chief Officer for Finance, Mr. Alphonce Werah, Director of Procurement, Mr. Peter Odiango, Roads Accountant, Mr. James Wanga, and Procurement Officer, Mr. Churchill Omondi Oyamo. These officials are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to divert funds intended for legitimate road projects.

According to the exposé, the scandal dates back to the end of the 2023/2024 financial year when the officials met at the Governor’s residence in Olare Kochia. There, they forged documents to justify payments for non-existent road projects. The fabricated documents included signatures from former county officers, such as Mr. Noah Otieno (former Chief Officer for Finance), Mr. Samson Okumu (former Director of Procurement), and Mr. Dan Lieta (former County Head of Accounts).

Instead of being used to settle historical pending bills with real contractors, the funds were funneled to proxy companies and shell entities controlled by the accused officials. Notably, Mr. Churchill Omondi Oyamo allegedly moved the stolen money through a proxy company, TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd, with funds deposited into a Family Bank account in Migori. This sudden wealth allowed him to open several businesses and almost complete a multi-story building in Arunda Katuma, raising concerns about the origins of his newfound fortune.

Similarly, Mr. James Wanga, the Roads Accountant, is accused of using his company, LETHI Co. Ltd, to launder money. The company operates several M-Pesa outlets, some near prominent locations in Homa Bay, with employees listed as county government staff. In addition to his financial dealings, Wanga has reportedly amassed significant wealth, including a nearly finished multi-story building in the Milimani area near Got Rabuor.

Further complicating the matter, the spouse of Governor George Wanga, through companies WAPONYA Enterprise Ltd and TROIKA Enterprise Ltd, is alleged to have been involved in similar corrupt activities. Drivers working for these companies reportedly receive salaries paid by the county government, raising further questions about the misuse of public funds.

The scandal has severely impacted development projects in the county, leaving legitimate contractors unpaid and halting progress on critical infrastructure. Local leaders and residents are now calling for a full investigation into the affair, urging authorities like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Auditor General, and the Salary Remuneration Commission (SRC) to take swift action.

The public is demanding an immediate audit of the county’s finances and the fraudulent road documents to recover the stolen funds. Investigations into possible money laundering activities through LETHI Co. Ltd’s M-Pesa outlets and scrutiny of TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd’s financial transactions are also being urged.

As the scandal unfolds, citizens of Homa Bay are calling for greater accountability and transparency from their leaders. With the future of the county’s development at stake, there is hope that justice will prevail and serve as a deterrent to further corruption. The fight for integrity in the region is just beginning, and the community remains committed to holding those responsible accountable.