Wycliffe Wangamati, the former governor of Bungoma County, was released on a 5 million shilling bond on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to corruption charges in Nairobi.
Mr Wangamati appeared at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, where prosecutors outlined 27 counts against him, ranging from conflict of interest to the alleged acquisition of proceeds of crime. The charges stem from an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission into contracts awarded during his tenure.
He denied all allegations. “Not guilty,” he said firmly as each charge was read. His lawyers later described the case as politically motivated, insisting it was designed to sideline him from county politics.
Procurement under scrutiny
According to the charge sheet, county funds earmarked for road projects were diverted through fraudulent procurement processes. Several construction companies, including Valeria Construction, Mundesi Contractors, and KELCO Builders, were named in court as having received millions of shillings.
Prosecutors claim the firms transacted money “with knowledge it constituted proceeds of crime.” Directors of the companies were arraigned alongside the former governor.
The list of accused also includes members of Mr Wangamati’s family. His brothers Edward, George and Emmanuel, as well as nieces and nephews, face possible prison terms if convicted.
Political undertones
Mr Wangamati had presented himself to anti-corruption officials in Nairobi on Monday, before being held overnight at Kilimani Police Station. His arrest drew attention in Bungoma, where his allies argue that the case is part of a broader political struggle.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has rejected that claim, saying the case is built on evidence of systematic fraud. Magistrate Zipporah Gichana set the matter for mention on 18 September.
The trial is likely to test Kenya’s resolve to tackle graft in county governments, where accusations of misused funds have long dogged local leaders.
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