The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has opened formal investigations into what it describes as a “suspicious and potentially fraudulent” acquisition of land meant for the Amoni Market project, valued at over Ksh.200 million, in Busia County.
According to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, the probe aims to establish whether public funds were misappropriated during the acquisition process, amid mounting concerns over irregular payments, lack of proper documentation, and questionable ownership claims.
“We have launched investigations into the circumstances under which public funds amounting to over Ksh.200 million were spent on the purchase of land allegedly already owned by the government or acquired through irregular means,” said Ngumbi during a press briefing in Nairobi.
Land Was Already Public?
Preliminary findings by the EACC suggest that the county government may have paid private individuals for land that was already designated as public property. The parcel in question, located in the Amoni area, was earmarked for a modern market intended to boost trade in the border region.
Documents obtained by investigators show inconsistencies in land ownership records, with some parcels registered under individuals now suspected of colluding with corrupt county officials to fraudulently claim compensation.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that several top officials in the Busia County Lands and Finance Departments may be questioned in the coming days, with some already served with summons.
Whistleblowers Sounded the Alarm
The saga first came to light after local civil society groups and whistleblowers alerted the EACC to possible irregularities. They alleged that certain parcels were acquired at inflated prices, and that some payments were processed without the required approvals from the County Assembly.
“It is unacceptable that taxpayers’ money is being wasted like this. Some parcels were allegedly paid for at more than double their market value,” said Judith Namayi, a representative of the Busia Integrity Watch group.
The whistleblowers also claim that due diligence was either poorly conducted or ignored, raising red flags about possible collusion between landowners, valuers, and county officials.
County Government Under Pressure
The Busia County Government, led by Governor Paul Otuoma, is under increasing pressure to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure transparency in land-related transactions.
In a brief statement, the governor’s office said it welcomed the investigation and pledged to “uphold accountability in all county dealings.”
“If there were any irregularities, they will be addressed. We remain committed to serving the people of Busia with integrity,” the statement read.
However, opposition leaders in the County Assembly have accused the executive of stonewalling, calling for the suspension of any officials directly linked to the Amoni Market land saga.
Auditor General’s Report Raised Eyebrows
Interestingly, the Auditor General’s report for the last financial year had already flagged anomalies in the market project, noting unexplained expenditures and discrepancies between the budgeted and actual land acquisition costs.
The report indicated that while Ksh.140 million had initially been allocated, an additional Ksh.60 million was disbursed under “emergency provisions” without proper documentation — prompting further scrutiny.
What’s Next?
The EACC has said it will move quickly to forensically audit land records, verify ownership, and possibly freeze any suspicious transactions pending the conclusion of investigations.
If wrongdoing is established, those found culpable may face prosecution for offenses ranging from abuse of office and economic crimes to conspiracy to defraud.
This investigation adds to a growing list of land-related corruption cases across Kenya, where public land has become a lucrative avenue for graft.
As the probe intensifies, residents of Busia and surrounding areas are hoping that justice will be served and that the Amoni Market project, once touted as a game-changer for the local economy, is rescued from the shadow of scandal.
