The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has moved to court against six individuals accused of orchestrating an irregular procurement process that led to the award of a multi-million-shilling contract for the construction of the Homa Bay County Assembly offices.
According to the commission, the suspects include four former senior officials of the Homa Bay County Government and two directors of a private company that allegedly benefited from the disputed deal. The tender, valued at KSh348.9 million, was awarded during the 2019/2020 financial year.
Those charged are a former Clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly, a former County Executive Committee member in charge of Lands, a former Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Public Works who also acted as the project manager, and two company directors. Investigators allege that the procurement process was manipulated to favour a firm linked to some county officials.
The six were arrested on Friday, January 16, and presented before the Kisii Chief Magistrates Court on Tuesday, January 20. Appearing before Chief Magistrate A.M. Obura, all the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court released the suspects on a cash bail of KSh5 million each, with an alternative bond of KSh30 million supported by a surety of an equal amount. The case is scheduled for mention on Monday, February 2.
EACC stated that investigations, conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), revealed serious breaches of public procurement laws. The accused face charges including conflict of interest, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public property under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Prosecutors allege that the officials abused their positions by unlawfully steering the tender to themselves and their associates, bypassing legal requirements meant to ensure transparency, fairness, and public participation in government procurement processes.