Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been released by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on a bond of Ksh5 million.
He was arraigned at the court on graft allegations and has been ordered to pay the bond or a cash bail of Ksh1.5 million.
The court allowed his release on bond terms as he awaits the mention and determination of the case, which is scheduled for September 18.
"The fourth accused (Wangamati) terms are as follows: a bond of Ksh5 million or a cash bail of Ksh1.5 million," the magistrate directed.
Wangamati, alongside other county officials, is facing graft-related charges in an alleged embezzlement of over Ksh70 million through private companies.
The DPP submitted that the former governor and the county officials be charged with conflict of interest, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and wilful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement.
The former county chief has maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations are politically motivated. He previously linked his detention to 2027 Bungoma politics.
Meanwhile, Wangamati denied all four charges he was facing at the Anti-Corruption Court.
On Monday afternoon, Wangamati, who was at the helm of Bungoma County leadership for one term between 2017 and 2022, was taken to Kilimani Police Station, where he spent the night.
Bomet Governor
The court is also set to determine the fate of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, who is before the same magistrate to answer to similar graft-related charges.
Barchok had earlier petitioned the High Court to block his arrest and detention. However, the court dismissed the application, paving the way for his appearance to face the charges.
On Thursday, August 28, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga submitted that he be charged with a conflict of interest after he allegedly received Ksh2.75 million from companies that traded with the county between the financial years 2019/2020 and 2024/2025.
