The Wangamati family is once again in the spotlight after damning revelations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Investigators have unearthed a multi-million shilling web of deceit, involving former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati, his brothers, political allies, and a string of shadowy companies.
At the center of it all is Sh70 million that disappeared through irregularly awarded tenders between 2017 and 2021. The trail of money, documents, and shell companies paints a disturbing picture of systemic looting of public funds meant for development.
EACC Findings Show How Wangamati Family Looted Bungoma County
The EACC report sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lays bare how the Wangamati family ran a scheme that bled Bungoma county.
According to investigators, at least 16 entities were used to siphon public funds. Out of these, seven companies received Sh70,205,882 through tenders irregularly awarded by the roads department. These firms include Valeria Construction Limited, Mundesi Contractors Limited, Kelco Builders Limited, Fastec Supplies Limited, Nabweso Builders Limited, and Nasikhab Civil Contractors.
Behind these firms were Wangamati’s brothers and close associates. Nabwala Construction Company Limited, whose directors are Michael, Edward, George, and Silvan Wangamati, emerged as the biggest beneficiary. It received Sh37,608,000 directly through a local bank account, confirming the family’s grip on the scheme.
The irregularities were blatant. Companies with no prior experience presented false documents to win tenders. Mundesi Contractors was awarded contracts despite not being registered at the time. Valeria Construction won contracts for projects not even budgeted for in the county’s financial years. These violations point to deliberate manipulation of procurement rules.
Money laundering and conflict of interest
The investigation revealed that Nabwala Construction Company acted as the central funnel for the loot. Proxy companies like Mundesi, Valeria, and Nabweso Builders received the contracts but quickly transferred funds to Nabwala Construction. This setup ensured that the governor’s brothers received a significant share while maintaining a facade of competitive tendering.
Further evidence shows that Sh3 million was transferred from Nabweso Builders Limited to Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, a close ally of Wangamati. This link between county funds and political figures underscores how corruption was intertwined with patronage.
The EACC described the arrangement as a textbook case of conflict of interest. Procurement officers knowingly awarded contracts to firms with direct links to Nabwala Construction. By ignoring clear red flags, they enabled the systematic plunder of county resources.
Recommended prosecutions and the growing scandal
EACC now wants Wycliffe Wangamati, MP Dan Wanyama, and several senior county officials charged with abuse of office, conflict of interest, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and failure to follow procurement laws.
Others facing possible prosecution include:
- Maurice Marango, chief officer roads and public works.
- Alex Odanga, director of supply chain management.
- Directors of Nabwala Construction Ltd: Simiyu Wangamati, Barasa Wangamati, Wanjala Wangamati, Sudi Wangamati, and Wanyonyi Wangamati.
- Directors of Nasikhab Civil Contractors Ltd: Jimmy Barasa, Christopher Makokha, and Joseph Khaemba.
- Directors of Fastec Supplies Ltd: Wakoli Chesititi, Edward Makhanu, and Swaleh Juma.
- Directors of Valeria Construction Ltd: Makhanu, Juma, Chesititi, and Sandra Nasambu.
- Directors of Kelco Builders Ltd: Makhanu, Juma, Chesititi, and Nasambu.
- Directors of Nabweso Builders Ltd: Makhanu and Rita Mwambonje.
This list demonstrates how deep the scheme went, implicating both family and associates in a wide-ranging looting spree.
The findings further reinforce claims that county governments have become cash cows for governors and their networks. What was meant for road development and service delivery ended up in the pockets of a few well-connected individuals.
The Wangamati family scandal adds to the long list of corruption cases that have plagued devolved units since 2013. Bungoma residents are left counting losses while vital infrastructure projects stall. Whether the DPP will act on EACC’s recommendations remains to be seen. For now, the report serves as a grim reminder of how public trust is betrayed when leaders choose to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
