colokeba 
For many residents of Homabay County, the hope that came with new leadership has slowly turned into anger and disappointment.
Reports now suggest that powerful figures close to Governor Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga, including members of her own family, are deeply involved in questionable financial dealings.
What was once a promise to clean up county management is now being overshadowed by claims of corruption, favoritism, and misuse of public money meant to improve lives.
Suspicious Deals and Rapid Withdrawals
One of the most troubling stories involves a company known as Exxel Fortune Enterprises Limited, which was registered barely six months after Governor Wanga took office.
In just one year, this company secured contracts worth 19.92 million shillings from the County Government of Homabay and the Homabay Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Records show that soon after receiving payment, most of the money was withdrawn in cash. The company’s signatories, Maxwel Nyasuna and Collins Okoth, reportedly took out 9.74 million and 12.19 million shillings respectively.
Maxwel is believed to be related to the governor, raising serious questions about how such a new company could win such lucrative contracts so quickly.
The transactions have drawn public outrage, with residents demanding to know where the money really went. Some of the cash was moved through M-Pesa to different individuals.
Among them was Richard Ogindo, who received 200,000 shillings, and Collins Okoth, who received another 850,670 shillings through different numbers.
The multiple phone numbers and rapid withdrawals make the entire deal appear suspicious, suggesting a deliberate effort to conceal the money trail.
There are also reports of unaccounted transfers to other people whose identities remain undisclosed, some of whom may be too young or unaware of the depth of the scheme.
Expanding Web of Corruption
Beyond Exxel Fortune, critics say the web of corruption in Homabay extends much further. Family members, political allies, and friends of the governor are said to be cornering tenders and contracts across various departments.
The county’s slogan, “Endless Potential,” now sounds hollow to many who see it as an inside joke symbolizing endless opportunities for those close to power rather than ordinary citizens.
Odoyo Owidi Speaks Out
Odoyo Owidi, a respected public figure and chairman of the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, has been one of the loudest voices calling out the county’s leadership.He accuses the administration of prioritizing luxury events and self-promotion over essential services. In one instance, he condemned a planned memorial event for the late Raila Odinga, which was expected to cost millions, even though similar ceremonies had already been held in Kisumu and Bondo.
Owidi argued that such money should instead pay county workers whose salaries have been delayed or complete projects that have stalled for months.
Failing Health Sector and Inflated Projects
Owidi has also drawn attention to the poor state of health facilities in Homabay. Projects like the Homabay Accident and Emergency Centre remain incomplete, while dispensaries lack medicine and staff.
He exposed the case of Nyandiwa Dispensary, which allegedly received 19.9 million shillings despite being a neglected, bushy building.
Another facility in Rachuonyo North reportedly got 54 million shillings one of the highest allocations in the country yet still shows little progress. To him, this is clear evidence of looting disguised as development.
