Wycliff Wangamati: Embattled ex-Governor says “I am ready for DPP”

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati has responded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) directive for his arrest over claimed involvement in a multi-million-shilling corruption scandal.
The ODPP, acting on recommendations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), on Thursday, 28 August 2025, announced that Wangamati, members of his family, and several former county officials will face charges including conflict of interest, acquisition of proceeds of crime, failure to comply with procurement laws, and fraudulent practices in public procurement.
Court documents list several companies alleged to have been linked to the former governor’s family, among them Nabwala Construction Ltd, Skyman Freighters Ltd, and Kelco Builders Ltd. The EACC said these firms benefited from irregular tenders awarded during Wangamati’s tenure as governor.
In his response, Wangamati strongly denied the accusations, dismissing them as politically instigated.
“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,” the statement read on Friday, 29 August 2025.
The former governor confirmed he will present himself at the EACC’s Integrity Centre on Monday at 8:00 am, but emphasised that this should not be viewed as an admission of guilt.
“This is not cowardice, but principle. Innocence does not cower before scrutiny,” he said, expressing confidence that the charges will collapse in court.
Wangamati also framed the case as part of what he described as a political scheme to sideline him.
“We must rescue Bungoma from the stranglehold of one man who treats the county as his personal estate, where his family are landlords and the rest of us tenants,” he claimed.
The former county boss appealed to his supporters for prayers and moral support as he prepares for arraignment, insisting that “in the fullness of time, truth will prevail.”
The legal battle
Wangamati served as Bungoma’s second governor from 2017 to 2022, following his victory over Kenneth Lusaka in the 2017 general election on a Ford Kenya ticket. His tenure was marked by both development projects and persistent allegations of financial mismanagement.
During his administration, the county invested in healthcare, road infrastructure, and education bursaries, but watchdog agencies flagged questionable procurement deals and ballooning wage bills. In 2020, the county assembly attempted to impeach Wangamati over accusations of misuse of funds, though the motion was later dropped.
Wangamati lost his re-election bid in 2022, with Lusaka reclaiming the seat. Since leaving office, he has remained active in Bungoma politics, positioning himself as a vocal critic of what he calls dynastic and patronage-driven leadership in the county.
The current charges represent one of the most significant anti-graft cases in Bungoma’s history, involving multiple family members, contractors, and former county officials. If convicted, Wangamati and the co-accused could face hefty fines, asset recovery, and possible jail terms under Kenya’s anti-corruption laws.
The ODPP has yet to announce the date of arraignment, though legal proceedings are expected to begin in Nairobi next week.