Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati….Photo/courtesy.
By IP reporter.
BUNGOMA, Kenya (Aug. 23, 2025) —
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is probing former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati over alleged procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in a case linked to Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.
The probe has ignited debate over whether the anti-graft watchdog is pursuing justice or being pulled into Bungoma’s escalating political battles.
According to EACC insiders, investigators are examining questionable payments, irregular tenders and ties between firms contracted during Wangamati’s tenure (2017–2022) and individuals associated with Wanyama.
While Wanyama has publicly ruled out seeking the governorship in 2027, he has thrown his support behind Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi who recently shifted his political base to Bungoma, his birthplace.
Wanyonyi, a brother to National Assembly Speaker Dr Moses Wetang’ula, is seen as a frontrunner in the race to reshape Bungoma’s political landscape.
“We are investigating procurement-related offenses, potential abuse of office and whether there were undisclosed ties between the former governor and entities connected to politically exposed persons,” said an EACC official who requested anonymity.
EACC in Action — or Political Targeting?
EACC maintains the case is evidence-driven but the timing has drawn suspicion.
Wangamati is reportedly preparing for a political comeback and critics argue the probe could be an attempt to undercut his return.
Governance activists, however say the county must confront past leadership failures.
“Corruption must not be masked as politics,” said Jane Namusasi, a civic educator in Webuye. “Wangamati’s administration left incomplete projects, questionable tenders and misused bursary funds. If laws were broken, accountability is necessary.”
Sources say the inquiry includes the procurement of medical equipment and infrastructure contracts awarded to companies allegedly tied to Wangamati’s allies.
Though the MP has not been accused of wrongdoing, investigators are scrutinizing interactions between the governor’s office and parliamentarians during budget approvals.
The Tim Wanyonyi Factor and Bungoma’s 2027 Realignment
Wanyonyi’s decision to relocate from Nairobi’s Westlands Constituency to Bungoma has unsettled traditional alliances.
With Wanyama and 8 other Bungoma MPs backing and Wetang’ula’s political clout, he is positioning himself as a serious contender for the governorship.
His entry complicates the race for Governor Wangamati who seeks re-election, and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa a Kenya Kwanza loyalist who has commenced preparation for his own bid for the gubernatorial seat.
Didmus Barasa’s grassroots mobilization and ruling coalition ties have intensified the competition.
“Bungoma is becoming a high-stakes chessboard,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst.
“Wanyonyi brings Nairobi experience and Wetang’ula’s influence while Barasa has Kenya Kwanza machinery and Lusaka has incumbency to sway the vote either way. It’s Wangamati who looks cornered and now EACC is tightening the screws.”
What Lies Ahead?
EACC officials say Wangamati’s file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) once investigations are complete.
If charged, the former governor could face a court battle that derails his comeback plans.
Meanwhile, Bungoma’s political realignment is far from settled.
With Wanyama and 9 other Bungoma MPs backing Wanyonyi and Barasa aggressively entering the fray, the 2027 gubernatorial race is shaping up as one of Kenya’s most closely watched contests.
Whether the probe into Wangamati signals genuine accountability or political cleansing remains uncertain.
What is clear however is that Bungoma’s political map is being redrawn and the stakes have never been higher.
Ends.
