Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati presents himself
before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following summons to
appear for arraignment over corruption-related charges/CYRUS OMBATIFormer Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has presented
himself before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following
summons issued last week.
In videos seen by the Star, Wangamati arrived accompanied by
his lawyers at the Integrity Centre at around 8 am.
Wangamati, together with several associates, had been
summoned to appear for arraignment over corruption-related charges.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok was also summoned. He faces
prosecution over an alleged conflict of interest alongside Evans Kipkoech Korir,
a director of Chemasus Construction Limited.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud confirmed in a statement
that the commission received consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP) on August 29, 2025, to proceed with charges against the two leaders and
others.
Wangamati and 11 others are set to face proceedings relating
to alleged irregular use of public funds.
Among those listed are Michael Simiyu Wangamati, Nicholas
Wangamati, Edward Barasa Wangamati, and Edward Maaya Makhanu, identified as
directors in some of the companies under inquiry.
Other individuals summoned include Sandra Soita Nasambu,
Wafula Wakoli Chesititi, Bramwel Mukewe Wafula, Juma Swaleh Juma, Jimmy Wekesa
Barasa, Christopher Masika Makokha, and Joseph Wanyonyi Khaemba.
They are alleged to have links to firms cited in EACC investigations
into transactions with the Bungoma County Government during Wangamati’s
administration.
The summons follows months of investigations into
procurement processes, conflict of interest claims, and suspected misuse of
public funds.
The DPP confirmed approval of the charges in a statement
issued on August 29.
This comes barely two weeks after EACC said that at least
four sitting governors are under probe for corruption-related crimes.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission said 11 other
former governors are under probe for the same offences.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said these investigations relate to
allegations of embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, money
laundering, and possession of unexplained wealth, among other offences under
the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
He said over the past eight months, the Commission has
completed 89 high-profile cases.
“These investigation files have been submitted to the Office
of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), with recommendations to
prosecute 82 of the cases. Notably, four of these cases involve current
governors, former County Governors, two former Cabinet Secretaries, a Principal
Secretary, and CEOs and MDs of various State Corporations,” he said.
“In addition, the Commission is at an advanced stage of
investigating five sitting Governors and 11 former Governors.”
