A Nairobi anti-corruption court has released former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati, alongside 18 co-accused persons including his siblings, on varying cash bails and bonds after denying corruption-related charges.
The accused face a total of 27 charges ranging from procurement fraud to conflict of interest. Wangamati is alleged to have unlawfully acquired Ksh10.5 million through companies linked to his siblings. According to the charge sheet, the funds were allegedly wired to his brothers’ accounts through Valeria Construction Limited, which had received payment from the Bungoma County Government.
The case cites dealings between Valeria Construction Limited and Nabwala Construction Limited, a company associated with Wangamati’s siblings Michael Simiyu and Edward Barasa. It is alleged that between May 2020 and June 2021, the then-governor indirectly benefitted from county funds channeled to the firms.
When the accused appeared in court, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence urged the court to grant reasonable bail terms, while the prosecution did not oppose bail but sought stringent conditions.
The court set different bail and bond terms depending on the level of involvement alleged. Wangamati, along with Wakoli Wafula Chesititi and Bramwel Mukewa Wafula, was released on a Ksh1.5 million cash bail or an alternative Ksh5 million bond each.
The highest bail terms were imposed on Edward Maaya Makhanu, who was released on a Ksh10 million bond or a Ksh2.5 million cash bail. Another co-accused, Juma Swaleh Juma, secured release on an Ksh8 million bond or Ksh2 million cash bail.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Barasa Wekesa, Christopher Makokha Masika, and Joseph Khaemba Wanyonyi were each released on a Ksh8 million bond with an option of Ksh250,000 cash bail. Others, including Michael Simiyu Wangamati, Edward Barasa Wangamati, and Sandra Nasambu Soita, were granted a bond of Ksh1 million or an alternative Ksh400,000 cash bail.
The case will be mentioned on September 18, 2025, as investigations and court proceedings continue.
The charges mark yet another high-profile corruption case involving former county bosses, underscoring the government’s ongoing scrutiny of procurement and financial dealings in devolved units.
