Omtatah to sue Busia Governor Otuoma over Sh200 million land deal

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has announced his intention to take legal action against the county's governor, Paul Otuoma, over allegations of a fraudulent land deal involving the illegal acquisition and resale of public land.

In a demand letter issued on Wednesday, April 30, Omtatah accused the county government of attempting to unlawfully sell land that is already publicly owned.

The outspoken Senator claimed that the county government was attempting to spend Ksh200 million to "purchase" the well-known Amoni Market land in Malaba town, which he asserts rightfully belongs to the public.

Omtatah also claimed that even if the land were privately owned, its value would be Ksh20 million, not the Ksh200 million that the county government is reportedly planning to allocate for its purchase.

Omtatah also claimed that even if the land were privately owned, its value would be Ksh20 million, not the Ksh200 million that the county government is reportedly planning to allocate for its purchase.

"It is well within your knowledge that Amoni Market is public land owned by the county. Hence, your decision not to defend it but to collude with and aid the grabbing is criminal," Omtatah said in the demand letter.

"This is a case of conspiracy, abuse of office, and theft of public resources, which warrants criminal investigation and prosecution by law enforcement agencies. This is theft, not governance. We must remain vigilant and call out theft of public resources and blatant fraud."

In response to the allegations, Omtatah has petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to prosecute individuals implicated in the suspected land fraud.

In his letter, one of the key demands is the revocation of recently issued title deeds, with a call for the land in question to be reclaimed for public use.

He further seeks to have the county government barred from initiating or continuing any dealings related to the property.

According to the letter, the land was originally acquired in 1990 by the now-defunct Busia County Council at a cost of Ksh130,000, as stated by Omtatah.

Since then, the parcel has been featured in the official County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), indicating its significance to public planning.

It is alleged that the land was initially set aside for the construction of a public market.

This is not the first time Omtatah has clashed with Governor Paul Otuoma's administration.

In February of the previous year, he lodged a petition against the county leader, accusing him of frustrating his oversight responsibilities.

At the time, the Senator claimed he had written several letters through different County Executive Committee Members, calling for an audit of public funds.

However, he said all his requests were ignored.