Homa Bay Assembly Project Probe Leads to Fresh Graft Charges Worth Sh348m

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, January 16, 2026 - The long trail of investigations into the construction of the Homa Bay County Assembly offices has taken a decisive turn, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approving charges against former county officials, a state officer and a private firm over alleged procurement irregularities involving Sh348.9 million.

In a statement released on Friday, the ODPP said the decision followed the receipt and review of an inquiry file submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The file details alleged abuse of office, conflict of interest and deliberate violations of procurement laws during the award of a major county project.

According to the ODPP, investigations revealed that the former Clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly, Odhiambo Daniel Kaudo, together with other senior officials, allegedly interfered with procurement processes linked to Tender No. HBCA/T/W6/2018–2019. The tender was for the construction of the County Assembly office block.

Prosecutors say the contract was awarded to a company linked to county employees, raising serious concerns about self-dealing and misuse of public funds meant to serve residents of Homa Bay.

Acting under Article 157 of the Constitution, the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that charges be brought against seven individuals and one company. Those listed include Odhiambo Daniel Kaudo, former County Assembly Clerk; Faith Adhiambo Apuko, former Acting County Assembly Clerk; Patrick Tunoi, a Senior Superintendent Quantity Surveyor at the State Department of Public Works; James Mumali Oyuka, a director at Hartland Enterprises Limited; Mary Pauline Oduor, a Principal Nurse at Homa Bay Referral Hospital and director of Hartland Enterprises Limited; Roseline Anyango Odhiambo, a former County Executive Committee Member for Lands; and Hartland Enterprises Limited.

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They are expected to face multiple counts, including abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with procurement laws, conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property and fraudulent acquisition of public property, all under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

Reaffirming its stance, the ODPP said it remains firm in its duty to safeguard public resources. “The ODPP reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting public interest, ensuring the proper administration of justice, and preventing the abuse of legal processes in the discharge of its constitutional mandate,” the statement read.

The case adds to a growing list of high-profile prosecutions aimed at tightening accountability in county governments and reinforcing the message that public office is a position of trust, not personal gain.