A recent investigation has revealed a deeply troubling scandal involving the misuse of public funds in Homa Bay County.
The scandal has exposed a network of high-ranking officials and private companies that conspired to steal millions of shillings meant for development projects.
This corruption has not only halted critical infrastructure work but has also severely damaged the reputation of the county’s leadership and the businesses involved.
The individuals and companies at the heart of this scandal must be held accountable for their actions.
At the center of this scheme are several senior officials who allegedly manipulated the system to divert Ksh 200 million intended for road construction.
Instead of paying contractors for completed work, these officials created fake records of pending bills for roads that were never built.
Among the key figures implicated are Alphonce Werah, the Chief Officer for Finance; Peter Odiango, the Director of Procurement; James Wanga, the Accountant for Roads and Public Works; and Churchill Omondi Oyamo, a Procurement Officer.
These individuals are accused of forging documents and signatures to justify the illegal payments, effectively stealing from the public.
The stolen funds were funneled through proxy companies controlled by the accused officials.
For example, Churchill Omondi Oyamo is linked to TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd, a company that reportedly received a large portion of the misappropriated money.
Oyamo’s sudden rise in wealth, including the construction of a multi-story building in the Arunda Katuma area, has raised serious questions about the source of his finances.
James Wanga is alleged to have used his company, LETHI Co. Ltd, to launder county funds. This company operates several M-Pesa outlets, some of which are located near prominent landmarks in Homa Bay.
Shockingly, employees at these outlets are listed as county government staff, meaning they are paid by taxpayers while working for private businesses.
The scandal also implicates the governor’s spouse, George Wanga, whose companies, WAPONYA Enterprise Ltd and TROIKA Enterprise Ltd, are said to have benefited from the fraudulent scheme.
Reports suggest that drivers employed by these companies were paid salaries from the county government’s payroll, further exposing the depth of the corruption.
These revelations have not only tarnished the reputation of the individuals involved but also cast a shadow over the companies they control.
The impact of this scandal has been devastating for the residents of Homa Bay. The loss of Ksh 200 million has stalled essential development projects, leaving communities without basic services and infrastructure.
Legitimate contractors who were supposed to be paid for their work have been left in financial distress, unable to complete their projects or pay their workers.
This has created a ripple effect, harming the local economy and eroding public trust in the county government.
There is an increasing call for investigative bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Auditor General to conduct a thorough audit of the county’s finances.
There is also the need for Safaricom to investigate the M-Pesa outlets linked to LETHI Co. Ltd for potential money laundering activities.
Banks are also being urged to scrutinize transactions involving TCHAVEK Enterprise Ltd and other companies implicated in the scandal.
The governor’s role in this scandal has further damaged her reputation. Whether she was directly involved or not, her failure to prevent such a massive theft of public funds has raised serious questions about her leadership.
The people of Homa Bay deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare and ensure that resources are used for their intended purposes. It is now up to the relevant authorities to take swift action, recover the stolen funds, and bring those responsible to justice.
The companies and individuals involved in this scandal must face the consequences of their actions, and their reputations must be held to account for the harm they have caused.
