Wangamati and 10 others freed on bond in Sh271 million corruption case
Trial magistrate Ziporah Gichana directed all the accused to surrender their passports within seven days, refrain from interfering with witnesses, and avoid making prejudicial public remarks about the case.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and 10 others have been released on bond in a Sh271 million corruption case.
The Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday ordered Wangamati to deposit a bond of Sh5 million with a similar surety or an alternative cash bail of Sh1.5 million.
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His co-accused were also freed on varying bail terms. The 4th accused, Edward Makhaya Makhanu, facing 16 counts, was granted a bond of Sh10 million or a cash bail of Sh2.5 million. The 8th accused, Juma Swaleh Juma, was released on a bond of Sh8 million or Sh2 million cash bail.
Others, including Jimmy Barasa Wekesa, Christopher Masika, and Joseph Khaemba, were freed on a bond of Sh1 million or a cash bail of Sh250,000 each. Sandra Nasambu Soita was granted a bond of Sh1 million or a cash bail of Sh400,000.
Michael Simiyu Wangamati and Edward Barasa Wangamati were also released on Sh1 million bond or a cash bail of Sh400,000 each. Meanwhile, lawyers Wafula Chesititi and Bramwel Mukewa Wafula secured their freedom on a bond of Sh5 million or a cash bail of Sh1.5 million.
Trial magistrate Ziporah Gichana directed all the accused to surrender their passports within seven days, refrain from interfering with witnesses, and avoid making prejudicial public remarks about the case.
The prosecution was also ordered to provide witness statements, with the matter set for pre-trial on September 18.
In the case, Wangamati, his relatives, and several directors of construction companies are accused of engaging in fraudulent procurement practices and money laundering amounting to more than Sh271 million.
According to the charge sheet, the suspects face 27 counts, including conflict of interest, fraudulent procurement, and acquisition of proceeds of crime.
They are alleged to have used falsified completion and liability certificates from county governments and state institutions to win multi-million shilling road and construction contracts between 2018 and 2021.
Companies named in the case include Valeria Construction Limited, Nabwala Construction Limited, Mundesi Contractors, and Skyman Freighters Limited. Nabwala Construction and its directors are specifically accused of acquiring Sh271.2 million in a Cooperative Bank account while knowing the funds were proceeds of crime.
During the plea hearing, State Prosecutor Vincent Monda said the ODPP did not oppose bail but requested strict conditions.
Defence lawyers Peter Wanyama and Brian Khaemba, however, urged the court to grant lenient terms, arguing the accused had cooperated with investigators, no funds were lost, and some suspects were small-scale traders.
He further pleaded with the court to consider Wafula's ill health.
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