Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati is under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged theft of public funds through irregular tender awards. On Thursday, Wangamati presented himself to the EACC Western Regional offices in Bungoma County to respond to questions regarding the matter.
The EACC is probing the former county boss over suspicious road construction tenders worth over Ksh 70 million that were allegedly awarded to companies linked to him and his five brothers. The tenders in question are reported to have been issued during the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 financial years, a period covering much of Wangamati’s tenure as governor.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the companies that received the lucrative road construction contracts had close ties to the former governor’s family members, raising concerns over conflict of interest and abuse of office. The EACC believes the tendering process may have been manipulated to benefit individuals connected to Wangamati, bypassing standard procurement procedures.
A source at the EACC confirmed that the commission is reviewing documents and financial records to establish the extent of the alleged malpractice and whether public funds were misappropriated in the process. The probe forms part of a wider effort by the anti-graft agency to hold former and current public officials accountable for financial misconduct.
Wangamati has yet to issue a public statement on the matter. However, the ongoing investigations could have legal and political implications for the former governor, especially if the allegations are substantiated and charges are brought forward.
The EACC has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable face the full force of the law.
