Former Bungoma County Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati has pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption-related charges involving Sh31,780,000 in alleged kickbacks from construction companies awarded tenders during his tenure.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Hon. Zipporah Gichana at the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani, Wangamati was charged with four counts of conflict of interest.
He is accused of receiving millions of shillings through a company owned by his siblings, stemming from payments made by the Bungoma County Government to various contractors.
In Count 8, the court heard that between May 2020 and June 2021, Wangamati received Sh10.5 million from Nabwala Construction Limited, a company owned by his brothers, Michael Simiyu Wangamati and Edward Barasa Wangamati.
The funds were allegedly part of payments made to Valerie Construction for three road maintenance projects: Chebus–Kimama Road, roads in East Sangalo Ward, and Minata–Malaha Road.
In Count 15, the former governor is accused of receiving Sh5.43 million from the same company between July 2020 and September 2021. These funds reportedly originated from payments to Mundesi Contractors Ltd for two tenders to maintain roads in Bukembe West Ward and for spot improvement works on the Trans West–Wambu Road.
Count 20 alleges that between May 2020 and June 2021, Wangamati received Sh9.35 million from Nabwala Construction Limited, part of payments made to Kelco Builders Ltd by his government for the maintenance of Matis–Omindo Road and roads in Misikhu Ward.
In Count 26, he is accused of receiving Sh6.5 million connected to a tender awarded to Fastec Suppliers Ltd by his government for the construction of the Kiamama Water Supply Bridge at Chesikaki.
Wangamati is among 19 individuals and entities separately and jointly charged with various offenses, including his two brothers, Michael and Edward Wangamati, along with: Edward Maaya Makhanu, Sandra Soita, Wakoli Chesititi, Bramwel Wafula, Juma Swaleh Juma, Jimmy Wekesa, Christopher Masika, Joseph Wanyonyi.
Also charged were companies allegedly used to commit the offenses:
Nabwala Construction Limited, Mundesi Construction Ltd, Valerie Construction Ltd, Kelco Builders Ltd, Nabweso Builders Ltd, Fastec Suppliers Ltd, Nasikhab Civil Contractors Ltd, and Skyman Freighters Ltd.
The accused face multiple counts of fraudulent procurement practices, including falsifying bid documents and engaging in conflict of interest. They are also charged with the acquisition and use of proceeds of corruption.
All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bond and bail terms were issued as follows: Wycliffe Wangamati, bond of Sh5 million or cash bail of Sh1.5 million; Michael & Edward Wangamati, and Sandra Soita, bond of Sh1 million or cash bail of Sh400,000; Edward Makhanu, bond of Sh10 million or cash bail of Sh2.5 million; Wakoli Chesititi and Bramwel Wafula, same terms as Wangamati – Sh5 million bond or Sh1.5 million bail; Juma Swaleh Juma, bond of Sh8 million or cash bail of Sh2 million and; Jimmy Wekesa, Christopher Masika, and Joseph Wanyonyi, bond of Sh1 million or cash bail of Sh250,000.
The Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose the bond terms. The case is scheduled for mention on September 18, 2025.
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