ODPP to charge ex-Bungoma Governor in graft

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced plans to prosecute former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati over his alleged involvement in a multi-million shilling graft case during his 2018–2022 tenure.
In a statement released on 28 August 2025, the ODPP claimed that public funds were misappropriated through irregular procurement processes and funnelled into companies with close ties to the former governor.
The firms named include Sykman Freighters Limited, Nabwala Construction Limited, Fastec Suppliers Limited, and Nabweso Builders Limited, among others.
The charges, stemming from investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), allege the funds were siphoned using fraudulent invoicing schemes. The prosecution is expected to present procurement records and financial documents as key evidence.
ODPP File on former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.PHOTO/@ODPP_KE/X
Wangamati, who is said to be eyeing a political comeback in the 2027 general election, has yet to respond officially. However, his allies have decried the move as politically motivated, pointing to its timing and recent political alignments.
Joseph Wamasimbi, a former digital officer in Wangamati’s administration, said the case was politically weaponised, claiming it originated in 2020 following the governor’s meeting with then-Deputy President William Ruto. He further claimed the case resurfaced shortly after Wangamati’s public appearance with Tawe Movement leader George Natembeya.
ODPP File on former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.PHOTO/@ODPP_KE/X
“Years down the line, the files have been dusted off from EACC cabinets and rushed to the ODPP, conveniently after Wangamati was recently seen with Tawe Movement leader George Natembeya,” Wamasimbi said.
Other individuals named in the case include Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, along with several directors and associates connected to the listed companies. Among them are Maurice Marango, Edward Makhanu, Jumah Swaleh, Silvan Wangamati, and Joseph Khaemba, among others.
The case is expected to be filed in court within weeks, marking another high-profile move in Kenya’s continued efforts to fight corruption within devolved county governments.