The legal drama surrounding the arrest of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has taken an unexpected turn with his legal team now accusing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of playing a behind-the-scenes role in the case.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, September 1, Wangamati’s lawyers painted a picture of political persecution, alleging that the charges their client faces were not only weak, but potentially orchestrated by powerful political interests.
“We know it is Wetangula who has made this call. We’ve had this information for quite some time we know what he is capable of doing,” one of Wangamati’s advocates claimed.
The former governor was summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and presented himself at their headquarters on Monday, following a notice issued the previous Friday.
He now faces charges linked to alleged conflict of interest and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure.
But his lawyers insist the accusations have no factual basis and they want proof.
“There is no evidence whatsoever. We challenge the EACC and ODPP [Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions] to show us any documents or transactions that link Wangamati directly to the alleged funds. This is political persecution and it must stop,” they said.
The legal team also raised serious concerns about the integrity of the EACC’s investigation, pointing out what they called “embarrassing missteps” by the commission.
In a startling claim, they revealed that one of the people listed as a witness by the EACC died three years ago yet had still been summoned to appear.
“How can you summon someone who passed away three years ago? It raises major questions about the credibility and intention of this entire process,” the lawyers said.
They further called on the EACC’s leadership, particularly CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, to remain impartial and resist any attempts at political manipulation.
“Don’t let the institution be reduced to a political tool. Kenyans rely on the EACC to protect public interest not to settle political scores,” the legal team urged.
Wangamati Speaks: “I’m Being Targeted”
Wangamati himself has also broken his silence, linking his legal troubles to his recent political ambitions. According to the former county boss, the timing of the case is no coincidence.
“This all started after I made it clear that I will be running for Bungoma Governor again in 2027. It’s unfortunate that some people are trying to weaponize institutions to keep me out of the race,” he said.
The EACC, with approval from the ODPP, plans to charge Wangamati and some of his former officials for embezzling public money.
The crimes are said to have been perpetrated in office though some media outlets have incorrectly stated that it was in his Busia governorship; Wangamati was actually Bungoma governor from 2017 to 2022.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is increasingly becoming a political storm one with serious implications ahead of the 2027 polls.
