Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday carried out early-morning searches at properties linked to Busia Governor Paul Otuoma as part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected misuse of county funds amounting to Sh1.4 billion.
The operation is connected to allegations that money earmarked for development projects within the county may have been unlawfully diverted, raising renewed questions about financial accountability in devolved units.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation indicate that the anti-graft agency is examining how the funds were disbursed and whether established procurement, budgeting, and payment procedures were adhered to. The inquiry is also expected to focus on possible irregularities in the awarding of tenders and execution of projects.
As part of the probe, EACC officers are set to question several county officials and scrutinize financial records, procurement documents, and transaction trails to determine individual responsibility, if any.
The commission has not yet issued an official statement on the outcome of the searches, and no arrests had been announced by the time of publication. Governor Otuoma has also not publicly responded to the developments.
The investigation underscores EACC’s continued focus on safeguarding public resources and enforcing accountability in county governments amid growing public concern over the management of development funds.