A disturbing account has emerged involving Calvince Thomas, the KERRA Homa Bay County Manager, who is accused of defrauding a businessman of Ksh 2 million under the guise of securing road construction tenders. The victim claims that Thomas promised lucrative projects, only to vanish after the money was handed over. Allegations of political protection, intimidation, and unfulfilled promises have surfaced, shedding light on what appears to be a classic case of abuse of office and corruption within a public institution.
This investigation delves into the details of the alleged scam, raising fresh concerns about accountability, transparency, and the abuse of power by senior public officials.
1. Inside the Alleged Tender Scam Involving the KERRA Homa Bay County Manager
The businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has come forward with claims that he was introduced to Calvince Thomas as a powerful figure capable of influencing the allocation of road construction tenders in Homa Bay County. The victim was allegedly promised priority access to five KERRA projects, with three projects in Ndhiwa Constituency and two in Kasipul Constituency.
What began as a business opportunity soon turned into a financial nightmare. According to the complainant, no formal contracts were signed, and the trust placed in Thomas was based on his senior position and the assurance that he could secure government tenders. Instead of official documents or agreements, the arrangement relied on Thomas’s promises and his influential position within KERRA.
2. Cash Handed Over During Kileleshwa Meeting
On October 30, 2023, the victim claims to have personally handed over Ksh 2 million in cash to Calvince Thomas at a meeting held at Willow Garden in Kileleshwa at precisely 12:37 PM. The money, the businessman insists, was a “facilitation fee” to ensure that his companies would be prioritized for the upcoming tenders.
At the time, Thomas reportedly reassured the victim that his companies would have an edge in the tender process once the projects were awarded. However, after handing over the cash, the promised tenders never materialized.
3. Claims of Political Protection and Untouchable Status
When the victim sought clarification on why the tenders had not been awarded, he claims to have met Thomas again in February 2023 at Artcaffé in Hurlingham. During this meeting, Thomas allegedly shifted the narrative, stating that the tenders had been awarded to companies linked to powerful government figures, including the Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omolo. These claims have not been independently verified.
The victim also alleges that Thomas boasted about his untouchable status, claiming that his political connections protected him from any repercussions. According to the complainant, Thomas laughed off previous reports made against him to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for embezzling Ksh 2.6 million, dismissing them as inconsequential.
4. Silence, Broken Promises, and Fear of Reporting
Since that meeting, the victim claims Thomas stopped responding to his calls and messages. Despite the victim’s continued attempts to follow up, communication was severed, leaving him without any resolution. The promises of alternative projects were never fulfilled, and the victim was left to deal with the financial loss alone.
The businessman admits that he has not yet filed a formal police report due to the fear and uncertainty surrounding the situation. The alleged claims of political protection have made him hesitant to take legal action, but as the financial burden continues to weigh on his business, he is now considering reporting the matter to authorities.
5. Unanswered Questions and Concerns Over Procurement Corruption
These allegations remain untested in court, and efforts to reach Calvince Thomas for comment were unsuccessful. The Interior PS mentioned in the claims has not been linked to any wrongdoing, and the allegations remain unproven.
Nonetheless, the case raises serious concerns about corruption and abuse of power within public institutions like KERRA. Contractors and businesses dealing with senior public officials face a growing risk of fraud and exploitation, and these allegations call for urgent oversight and transparency in the procurement processes.
The case has also triggered renewed calls for the government to strengthen mechanisms that ensure accountability within public institutions, particularly in regions where trust in government is already fragile. It is clear that more must be done to protect the public and businesses from corruption and exploitation.
