The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has urged a Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court to bar former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and his co-accused from being elected or appointed as public officers.
While making its submissions against the former county boss on Wednesday, March 12, the prosecution also called on the court to find Ojaamong guilty of graft charges and impose appropriate penalties.
During the presentation, the prosecutor argued that he had proven that the former governor and his eight co-accused indeed committed the alleged crime beyond reasonable doubt.
Ojaamong was charged with alleged graft alongside the Busia County Executive Member in charge of Environment, the Chief Officer for Economic Planning, the Head of Accounting, and the County Finance Manager.
The aforementioned individuals were charged with several counts, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, engaging in a project without prior planning, and abuse of office.
They were also charged with wilful failure to comply with laws on public funds management, fraudulently making payments from public revenue for services not rendered, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and failure to pay taxes.
According to the prosecution, between March 15, 2014, and September 25, 2014, Ojaamong conspired with the co-accused to commit an economic crime by engaging in a scheme to defraud the Busia County Government of Ksh8 million.
The prosecution went on to reveal that the money was paid for a purported feasibility study on an integrated solid waste management project, which was to be carried out by a private company.
However, the prosecution disclosed that during the investigations, it was established that the firm did not meet the requisite threshold to secure the tender.
"None of the private company employees demonstrated that they had the requisite skills or qualifications for conducting waste management or feasibility studies. They also failed to demonstrate any prior experience in similar projects or their ability to secure a Ksh6.9 billion tender," the prosecution alleged.
“The evidence is clear, credible, consistent, cogent, and sufficiently strong to leave no doubt in this honourable court that the accused persons committed the offences for which they were charged,” the DPP added.
Before ending its submission to the court, the prosecution presented a total of 22 witnesses in support of the charges, including two who provided rebuttal evidence.
Following the requests by the ODPP, the court is set to deliver its final judgment on May 16, 2025, when Ojaamong and his co-accused will know their fate.
