Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has accused Speaker Moses Wetangula of orchestrating his recent arrest, claiming that the charges against him are politically motivated. Wangamati’s lawyers made the allegations while addressing the media on Monday, September 1, following his appearance at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters in Nairobi.
According to the legal team, Wangamati is facing charges of conflict of interest, yet there is no concrete evidence linking him to any wrongdoing. “We know it is Wetangula who has made this call because we know what he is capable of doing, and we have had this information for quite some time,” one of the advocates stated.
The lawyers argued that the former governor’s apprehension was a direct attempt to derail his political ambitions. Wangamati, who previously served as Busia County Governor, announced his intention to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election, a move they claim triggered the alleged persecution.
“There is no evidence whatsoever, and we challenge EACC and ODPP to show us the evidence that the money came to the ex-governor’s account. This is just political persecution, and we are warning them that it must stop,” the lawyers said. They further criticized the EACC for mishandling the case, noting that one of the summoned witnesses had passed away three years ago, raising questions about the integrity of the process.
Wangamati’s legal team also cautioned the EACC leadership, led by CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, against political interference. “This damages the profile of the institution. Don’t allow yourselves to be used by politicians to damage the profile of a critical institution which Kenyans want to work for them,” they warned.
The EACC had earlier confirmed that it obtained consent from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to charge Wangamati and several of his associates with embezzlement of public funds during his tenure as Busia County Governor. Wangamati voluntarily presented himself to the commission on Monday in response to a summons issued on August 29.
The former governor maintains that the charges are a politically motivated attempt to undermine his political trajectory, and his lawyers insist that he will vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
