Former Bungoma Governor Wangamati granted Sh5m bail in corruption lawsuit

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati Arrested on Corruption Allegations

In a significant development, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was arrested on allegations of corruption on an unspecified date. The charges against him were brought by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) following an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into his tenure.

The case against Wangamati involves several construction companies: Valeria Construction Limited, Mundesi Contractors Limited, KELCO Builders Limited, Nabweso Builders Limited, Fastec Suppliers Limited, Nasikhab Civil Contractors Limited, and Nabwala Construction Limited. The EACC is accusing these companies of transacting millions of shillings from Bungoma County government with funds that are allegedly proceeds of crime.

Wangamati is facing 27 charges, including alleged conflict of interest and acquisition of proceeds of crime. His co-accused persons are suspected of involvement in an organized scheme to defraud the county government. Besides Wangamati, other individuals charged in the corruption case expected to appear in court on September 18 include Bernard Kwame, Michael Onyango, and Rebecca Mwende.

Alex Odanga, Edward Maaya, Jumah Swaleh, Wafula Wakoli, Wisdom Baraka, Rita Mwaka, Sandra Soita, Christopher Makhokha, Jimmy Wekesa, Silvan Wanyonyi, and David Wanyama are also linked to the corruption case. If Wangamati is convicted, his siblings Edward Wangamati, George Wangamati, and Emmanuel Wangamati, as well as his nieces and nephews, are potential candidates for jail terms.

On the day of the article, Governor Wangamati presented himself at the EACC headquarters to honor a summon before being taken into custody at Kilimani Police Station. Wangamati pleaded "not guilty" to all counts during his arraignment on Tuesday, September 2. The trial for his corruption case has been set for a mention on September 18.

Wangamati's lawyers have accused political persecution, alleging a plot to eliminate him from county politics ahead of the next election. However, the EACC maintains that the investigation and charges against Wangamati are based on evidence of corruption during his tenure as Governor.

As the case unfolds, the public awaits the court's decision on the charges against former Governor Wangamati and his co-accused persons. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Kenya's political and business spheres.