Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was today grilled by detectives at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (EACC) Western Regional Offices in Bungoma over alleged theft of public funds amounting to more than Ksh 70 million during his tenure.

Wangamati, who served as governor between 2017 and 2022, appeared before investigators following summons issued by the anti-graft body.

He is being investigated over claims of irregular award of road construction tenders worth Ksh 70,205,882 to companies allegedly linked to him and five of his brothers during the financial years 2017/18 to 2021/22.

EACC officials disclosed that the outcome of the ongoing investigations will determine the next course of action, which may include criminal prosecution of any individuals found culpable, as well as efforts to recover misappropriated public funds.

“The Commission is committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in the misuse of public resources face the law. The case against the former governor and his associates is being handled with urgency and thoroughness,” said a senior EACC official

EACC also launched a sting operation in Nairobi, leading to the arrest of a police officer attached to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for allegedly soliciting a bribe.

The suspect, identified as Cleophas Kiptoo Koech, was caught red-handed receiving a Ksh 50,000 bribe from a complainant.

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The bribe was allegedly demanded as an inducement not to charge the complainant with an environmental offence related to discharging effluent from a building.

Mr. Koech, who is tasked with enforcing environmental compliance under NEMA, was arrested on Friday morning.

EACC has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and called on the public to continue reporting graft cases across all levels of government and public service.

“These back-to-back operations affirm our resolve to fight corruption in every corner of the country. Whether it is a high-ranking official or a compliance officer, no one is above the law,” EACC emphasized in a statement.

The Commission has urged all public officers to uphold integrity and accountability, warning that any acts of corruption will be met with swift legal consequences.