Shock as Busia Governor Paul Otuoma Hands Controversial Sh90 Million Tender Deal to Brother and Uncle

Residents of Busia County have been left in shock following revelations that Governor Paul Otuoma allegedly awarded a controversial Sh90 million tender deal to companies linked to his brother and uncle, raising serious questions about conflict of interest and abuse of office.

According to a detailed exposé seen by this scribe, the governor is accused of orchestrating the irregular award of tenders and payments amounting to more than Sh1.4 billion to 26 proxy companies linked to his close family members and close associates. 

The companies are said to have traded with the county government since Otuoma took office in 2022, after succeeding his predecessor, Sospeter Ojaamong.

Investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) indicate that out of the total amount under probe, Sh90,031,678.45 was paid to three private entities allegedly connected to the governor’s immediate family. The funds are believed to have been channelled through firms linked to his uncle and brother.

Two of the companies, Baya Farmcare Limited and Multidose Agro Supplies Limited, are reportedly owned by Kizito Oucha Otuoma, the governor’s uncle. 

The firms are said to have received millions of shillings through questionable procurement processes. 

Another firm, Leokiz Investment Limited, is allegedly owned by the governor’s brother, Sydney Otuoma, and is also under investigation.

Sources close to the probe say the companies were allegedly used as proxies to secure county contracts, with procurement procedures being manipulated to favour the firms. 

Investigators are now examining whether tender requirements were bypassed and whether senior county officials played a role in facilitating the deals.

In addition to the Sh90 million tender, the EACC is probing suspected irregularities and possible economic crimes in the construction of the Busia Trailer Park Yard during the 2023/2024 financial year.

 The project is suspected to have been overpriced and awarded without proper competitive bidding.

Governor Otuoma has reportedly recorded statements with EACC officers as part of the ongoing investigations. However, no formal charges have been preferred so far, as detectives continue to analyse financial records, procurement documents, and company ownership records.