A businessman with alleged ties to the late Simeon Nyachae is at the center of a fuel supply scam in Busia County, reportedly costing the county government and assembly hundreds of millions of shillings annually.
The fraudulent scheme, which has persisted through multiple county administrations, is said to involve inflated fuel prices, fraudulent billing, and deliberate undersupply of fuel to county-owned vehicles and machinery.
Reports indicate that the scam dates back to the tenure of former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and continues under Governor Paul Otuoma’s leadership.
Investigations suggest that the businessman, who previously worked under Nyachae’s business empire, now owns a petrol station near the Busia weighbridge. This station is allegedly used as a key supplier of fuel to the county at inflated prices, raising suspicions of possible collusion with county officials.
Further revelations indicate that county vehicles, including tractors meant to assist farmers at subsidized rates, often run out of fuel due to insufficient supplies. A senior county official, speaking anonymously, suggested that this shortage is tied to the businessman’s fraudulent dealings.
Additionally, a representative of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in Busia claimed that the businessman outmaneuvered a competitor from the Breeze Petrol Stations chain to win lucrative county fuel supply contracts.
The competitor operates several outlets across Busia County, including Malaba, Nambale, Bumala, Funyula, and Port Victoria.
