Former Govenor Wangamati arrested after EACC grilling
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been arrested alongside 10 others following a grilling session at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarter
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been arrested alongside 10 others following a grilling session at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters on Monday, September 1.
The group was transported to Kilimani Police Station, where they were placed in custody.
Wangamati and his co-accused were escorted onto an EACC bus after the questioning session and driven to the station.
Upon arrival, they were seen alighting from the bus before being led into the cells.
The former county boss and his co-accused are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges linked to corruption.
On Thursday, August 28, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) officially approved prosecution proceedings for Wangamati and several others.
In a statement, the ODPP said the move followed followed recommendations made by the EACC which had been investigating suspected corruption within Bungoma County operations.
The ODPP cited irregular procurement procedures and embezzlement of public funds during Wangamati’s 2018–2022 tenure.
It flagged a network of private companies, many linked to Wangamati or his associates, as vehicles for siphoning county resources.
Several companies were named, including Skyman Freighters Ltd, Nabwala Construction Ltd and Fastec Suppliers Ltd, Nabweso Builders Ltd.
The ODPP’s approval covers a wide range of charges allegedly tied to conflict of interest, awarding contracts to companies with close ties to the governor or his associates and procurement law violations.
NTSA issues safety checklist for school transport
Trump administration considering replacing Kenya as lead in Haiti security mission
Kenya in talks with China to convert dollar SGR loan into yuan
The charges also include embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and fraudulent practices in public procurement.
Others implicated in the case include his family members Michael Simiyu Wangamati, Nicholas Wangamati, and Edward Barasa Wangamati, along with associates and company directors such as Edward Makhanu, Silvan Wangamati, Maurice Marango, and Joseph Khaemba.
“The EACC recommended that Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati, together with various county officials and company directors, be charged with conflict of interest, acquisition of proceeds of crime, willful failure to comply with procurement laws, and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings,” the statement read in part.
Wangamati has since denied all wrongdoing, labeling the charges as politically motivated and malicious.
“These charges are malicious, frivolous, and irredeemably defective. They are nothing more than a political pamphlet dressed up as prosecution, intended to smear my name and derail my candidature,” he said in a statement.
Five bodies recovered as six graves exhumed in Kwabinazaro, Kilifi
ODM postpones elections until further notice
Follow us
