Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was on Friday grilled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over the award of road construction tenders worth Ksh.70 million during his time in office.
The EACC is investigating allegations that Wangamati, who served as governor between 2017 and 2022, irregularly awarded road construction tenders to companies linked to himself and his five brothers. The tenders in question were issued during the 2017/18 and 2021/22 financial years.
According to the anti-graft agency, the former governor is suspected of engaging in a conflict of interest and abuse of office by influencing the awarding of public contracts to firms connected to his family members. The alleged scheme involved several tenders, all related to road construction projects within Bungoma County, with the total value estimated at Ksh.70 million.
EACC officers based at the Bungoma Regional Office are leading the investigation. They summoned Wangamati to appear for questioning as part of their ongoing probe into procurement irregularities that occurred under his administration. The investigation aims to determine whether public funds were misused and if due process was followed in awarding the contracts.
The EACC has not yet made any arrests or pressed formal charges, but the matter remains under active investigation. The agency says it is also reviewing financial records, procurement documents, and ownership details of the companies that received the tenders.
If found culpable, the former governor and any other implicated individuals could face prosecution for violating the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, as well as other anti-corruption laws.
Wangamati, who left office in 2022 after serving one term, has not publicly commented on the matter. The case adds to a growing list of investigations by the EACC into possible corruption in county governments across the country.
The Commission has stated that it remains committed to ensuring accountability in the use of public resources and will continue to pursue all cases where there is evidence of wrongdoing.
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