EACC headquarters…Photo/IP
BUNGOMA, Kenya
Bungoma County Assembly is experiencing what can only be described as a sudden outbreak of accountability after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission summoned 16 former and present Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and six assembly officials over the now-famous Ksh.6.5 million Uganda “benchmarking” trip and the September Christmas tree lighting that somehow arrived three months early.
What was marketed to residents as a noble learning expedition has now turned into a paperwork marathon — this time with investigators asking the questions.
Benchmarking, it seems, had officially become bench-warming.
Those summoned include former and sitting MCAs ;Joane Nafula Lutukai, Everlyne Mutiembu Naboelela, Joan Chemayiek Kirong, Francis Chemion Masai, Stephen Wafula Wamalwa, James Barasa Mukhono, Florence Fulano Wekesa, Joseph Nyongesa Juma, Jack Ouma Wambulwa, Hillary Kipratalam, Erick Kamingichi Wapanq’ana, Henry Majimbo Okumu, Violet Namaemba Makhanu, Luke Opwora, Tonny Khaoya Barasa and Sospeter Erastus Nyonqesa.
Also required to record statements are Francis Simiyu Tome (Principal Clerk Assistant), Ignatius Wekesa Wanqila (Principal Legal Counsel), Benedict Wafula Kimwei (Commissionaire), Kennedy Taracha Barasa (Driver), Carolyn Akirapa Wamalwa (Hansard Officer) and John Kennedy Ongwae (Former Clerk).
Inside the assembly corridors, the mood has reportedly shifted from confident to contemplative.
One insider joked that a female MCA has been frequently checking her sugar levels since receiving the summons letter.
“They have shot up,” she reportedly told colleagues — and not because of tea.
EACC letters, it appears, come with unexpected medical side effects.
Investigators are said to be probing the justification of the Uganda trip, the procurement trail and expenditure linked to the festive lighting event that left residents wondering whether Bungoma had quietly relocated to the North Pole.
A civil society activist did not bother sugarcoating his remarks.
“For this one, not even Ford Kenya nor Governor Kenneth Lusaka will defend them,” he said bluntly.
Governor Kenneth Lusaka has not publicly commented on the matter, and the county assembly leadership has opted for strategic silence — the kind usually reserved for exam rooms and crime scenes.
Former governor Wycliffe Wangamati and his crew should be ‘meditating’ about what may have happened as far as the Christmas tree saga is concerned.
Meanwhile, residents are watching with a mix of amusement and anticipation.
“The Senate and EACC are the only hope left. Allegations of corruption have followed this county from the executive to the assembly,” said one resident, adding, “If this was a series, we’d already be on Season 4.”
For now, no charges have been filed. The summoned officials are expected to record statements as investigations continue.
From festive lights to forensic files, Bungoma politics has once again proven that when it comes to drama, it does not need a scriptwriter.



