EACC Seeks Charges Against Ex-Bungoma Governor Wangamati in Ksh70M Scandal

Kenya’s anti-corruption spotlight has once again turned to Bungoma County. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended criminal charges against Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, the former Bungoma Governor, and senior county officials.

The report, which has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), accuses the leaders of abuse of office, conflict of interest, willful failure to follow procurement laws, and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

If confirmed by the ODPP, the case could become one of the most high-profile graft prosecutions involving sitting and former county leaders.

Background of the Allegations

Dan Wanyama, who currently serves as Member of Parliament for Webuye West, is at the center of allegations involving irregular procurement tenders valued at over Ksh70 million. According to investigations, these tenders were issued during the 2017/2018 to 2021/2022 financial years, a period that overlaps with his political tenure.

The EACC’s probe suggests that tenders were awarded under questionable circumstances, raising red flags of conflict of interest and violation of Kenya’s strict Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.

The EACC Investigation

On April 1, 2025, MP Wanyama was questioned at the EACC headquarters in Nairobi over the multi-million shilling road construction contracts. Sources revealed that the contracts were linked to companies associated with Wanyama and his close allies, sparking suspicion of direct benefit from county projects.

The anti-graft body has since compiled a comprehensive report, recommending prosecution. The report accuses the leaders of:

• Abuse of office – using public office for private gain.

• Conflict of interest – influencing tender awards while connected to benefiting companies.

• Failure to comply with procurement laws – bypassing legal procedures meant to ensure fairness.

• Acquisition of proceeds of crime – benefiting financially from irregular contracts.

  
  

ODPP’s Role in the Case

The next step lies with the ODPP, led by Renson Ingonga, which will review the EACC file and decide whether to press charges in court. If approved, the accused could face trial for corruption and related economic crimes under Kenya’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

This mirrors other recent county-level graft cases forwarded to the ODPP, such as those involving former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and various senior officials in Kakamega and Nyandarua. However, civil society groups have often raised concerns that many high-profile cases stall once they reach the prosecution stage.

Implications for Governance in Bungoma and Beyond

The Wanyama case underscores the ongoing struggle against graft in Kenya’s devolved units. Bungoma County, like many others, has faced repeated audits exposing procurement flaws, ghost projects, and inflated budgets.

If the ODPP proceeds with charges, it would send a strong message about accountability in public service. However, if the case stalls, it risks reinforcing public skepticism about Kenya’s ability to tackle corruption involving influential political figures.

Conclusion

The EACC’s move against Dan Wanyama, the former Bungoma Governor, and senior officials marks a critical moment in Kenya’s fight against corruption. With over Ksh70 million in irregular tenders under investigation, the ball is now in the ODPP’s court to determine whether prosecution will follow.

As Kenya continues grappling with graft scandals, this case will test the strength of anti-corruption institutions and their ability to hold even sitting MPs accountable.