Former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and his entire county executive team have been acquitted in a corruption case involving Sh8 million, after the court found the evidence presented by the prosecution insufficient to support the charges.
In her ruling, Presiding Magistrate Eunice Nyutu stated that the prosecution failed to establish any wrongdoing by the accused. She pointed out that none of the 20 witnesses called by the prosecution could confirm that any funds had gone missing, as alleged.
The case centered around the awarding of a tender for a solid waste management visibility study. The court determined that all procedures were properly followed and that a report from the study was indeed submitted to the Busia County Government.
Magistrate Nyutu highlighted the prosecution’s failure to prove that either the former governor or his officials personally benefited from the funds under scrutiny.
Defense lawyers Ligunya Stephen, Samantha Nangala, and Wangalwa Oundo successfully argued that the study had been carried out and properly documented. They also provided evidence that the expenditure had been planned for in the 2013–2014 county budget, with all necessary approvals and documentation, including resolutions from the county assembly.
Following the acquittal, the court directed that all bonds and securities deposited by the accused be released.
