The former Bungoma governor, Wycliffe Wangamati, accused Ford Kenya leaders of spreading malicious gossip to President William Ruto, which led to his removal as chairperson of the Public Service Superannuation Fund Board of Trustees. “My appointment was revoked not because I had a problem with the government, but because Ford Kenya leaders lobbied for my removal,” he alleged
By Tony Wafula
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has launched a political offensive against National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his Ford Kenya party, accusing them of frustrating development and orchestrating his political woes.
Speaking during his homecoming rally in Bungoma, Wangamati urged residents to reject Wetang’ula’s influence in the region, alleging that Ford Kenya’s leadership had derailed Bungoma’s progress and engineered his downfall.
The former governor claimed Wetang’ula was behind his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which he described as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at ending his career.
“Recently, they crafted a false graft report against me, claiming I stole public money when I was governor. I was arrested and spent a night in the cells, but after investigations, I was cleared because there was no case to answer,” Wangamati said.
Although he did not disclose the political party he intends to use in his 2027 gubernatorial bid, Wangamati vowed to vigorously campaign against Ford Kenya across Bungoma. In the 2022 elections, he unsuccessfully defended his seat on a DAP-K ticket, losing to Kenneth Lusaka of Ford Kenya.
Wangamati insisted that despite Wetang’ula’s alleged schemes, he delivered on his pledges to the people of Bungoma, citing key projects such as the 300-bed wing at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, the dual carriage road in Bungoma town, and a scholarship programme that enabled thousands of needy learners to access education.
“I thank you, my people, for giving me an opportunity to serve as your governor. I know many of you voted for me in 2022, but the votes were not enough. Come 2027, I urge you to stand with me so that I can continue transforming Bungoma,” he said.
The former governor also accused Ford Kenya leaders of spreading malicious gossip to President William Ruto, which led to his removal as chairperson of the Public Service Superannuation Fund Board of Trustees. “My appointment was revoked not because I had a problem with the government, but because Ford Kenya leaders lobbied for my removal,” he alleged.
He further claimed that his removal was linked to false allegations that he had supported Gen Z protests in Bungoma. Wangamati warned his opponents against using underhand tactics to frustrate his 2027 bid, urging them to keep politics out of his personal life.
“Use all means to fight me politically, but don’t touch my life. I have young children who depend on me,” he said. He dismissed claims by Ford Kenya MCAs who backed EACC’s investigations into his tenure, insisting that the accusations formed part of Wetang’ula’s broader plot to destroy his political career.
Wangamati revealed that during his tenure, he was dragged to court more than 60 times by his rivals in attempts to block his development projects. “When I tried to construct the dual carriageway and hired village administrators, I was taken to court 60 times to frustrate progress,” he stated.
The former governor is expected to face Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa in the 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race.
