Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was on Monday released on a Ksh5 million bond or Ksh1.5 million cash bail by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court following his arraignment over corruption charges pertaining to his time in office.
The former county boss, who served Bungoma between 2017 and 2022, did not flinch in court as Magistrate Thomas Nzioki directed the bond.
“The fourth accused Mr. Wangamati is granted a bond of Ksh5 million or a cash bail of Ksh1.5 million,” ruled the magistrate.
The court directed that Wangamati be freed under these conditions as he awaits the mention of the case, which is scheduled for September 18.
Graft Charges and a Political Storm
Wangamati, who has denied all four charges, is accused of working in collusion with other former county officials to embezzle over Ksh70 million through a network of private companies.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the former governor faces charges of:
Conflict of interest
Acquisition of proceeds of crime
Willful failure to comply with procurement laws
The DPP’s office alleges that the transactions were made in violation of proper procedure, with some payments going to entities linked to officials within the county government.
But Wangamati insists the entire case is politically driven.
“This is pure politics. The timing of my arrest and the charges are not lost on me,” he said earlier, suggesting the case is tied to his intentions to run for Bungoma governor again in 2027.
After his visit to the headquarters of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Wangamati slept over at Kilimani Police Station before appearing in court a time that drew alarm and sympathy from his political colleagues.
He denies the allegations and says he is willing to vindicate himself in court even as he faces the charges.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Court is also handling another high-profile case against Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, who has been charged with similar corruption charges.
Barchok had attempted to have his arrest and detention ceased via an application to the High Court but that was turned down, leaving him to take the charges.
According to DPP Renson Ingonga, Barchok allegedly received Ksh2.75 million from companies doing business with Bomet County between 2019 and 2025, raising serious questions about conflict of interest.
With two current and former county bosses now facing corruption charges, all eyes are on the judiciary as Kenyans await what could become landmark rulings on public accountability and political influence.