Family Cartels and Ghost Tenders: DPP Unmasks Governors Barchok, Wangamati, Wamatangi, and Mohamud Ali

The war against corruption has escalated sharply after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ordered charges against several sitting and former governors, alongside a web of county officials, contractors, and private companies accused of siphoning billions from public coffers.

At the center of this storm is Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, who is now to be prosecuted for alleged conflict of interest and unauthorized acquisition of public property. According to the DPP, EACC investigations revealed that Barchok stole KSh 2.75 million from companies doing business with Bomet County during the 2019/2020 to 2024/2025 financial years.

After reviewing the inquiry files, the DPP directed that Barchok be charged with conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property. Together with Evans Kipkoech Korir, Director of Chemasus Construction Limited, the governor will also face charges of acquiring proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009.

But Barchok’s case is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Bungoma: Ksh70 Million Allegedly Looted

The DPP also lifted the lid on a massive corruption network in Bungoma County, involving former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, senior county officials, and contractors accused of embezzling KSh 70.2 million.

Key officials implicated include:

• Maurice Waiile Marango, Chief Officer for Roads, Infrastructure and Public Works.

• Alex Musonye Odanga, Director of Supply Chain Management.

• Michael Simiyu Wangamati, Director of Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd.

They are joined by a sprawling list of directors and associates tied to multiple construction firms, among them Edward Maaya Makhanu, Jumah Swaleh Juma, Wafula Wakoli Chesititi, Wisdom Baraka Safari, Rita Muaka Muamboje, Sandra Nasambu Soita, Christopher Masika Makokha, Jimmy Wekesa Barasa, Joseph Wanyonyi Khaemba, and Edward Barasa Wangamati.

Also named are several members of the Wangamati family, including Siloan, George, Nicholas, and Emmanuel Sudi Wangamati, along with Webuye MP Daniel Wanyama Sitati.

The allegations paint a picture of county funds being channeled through a maze of companies and cronies, raising questions about the depth of graft in Bungoma.

Kiambu: A Billion-Shilling Tender Scheme

The spotlight also shone on Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi, who is under investigation for his alleged role in masterminding a KSh 1.27 billion tender scandal.

EACC claims that between 2017 and 2022, when he was a senator and chairman of the Senate Roads and Transportation Committee, Wamatangi fronted his wife, children, and sister-owned firms to win lucrative county road contracts. The investigators allege the accounts remained under his direct control, and he was the final beneficiary.

Among the firms named is Lub Plus Oil & Energy, which investigators say received more than KSh 615 million.

Marsabit: Governor and Family in KSh 728 Million Probe

Meanwhile, in Marsabit County, Governor Mohamed Mohamud Ali faces accusations of running a KSh 728 million procurement racket with his spouses, relatives, and political allies.

Between 2017 and 2024, six companies linked to the governor, his wives, Senator Mohamed Chute, and other close associates allegedly bagged 104 tenders covering roadworks, medical supplies, and water projects.

EACC alleges that the governor’s family controlled Ororo Company, Damme Investments, and Burqa Ventures, which together secured KSh 360 million. Investigators further claim that payments into these companies were funneled into Ali’s personal accounts.

A Widening Dragnet

The DPP says these cases underscore a wider effort to bring powerful figures to justice.

“Further inquiries will be conducted to establish the full extent of any alleged misconduct and ensure justice is served,” the office said, stressing that procurement-related charges may follow against other implicated officials and contractors.

From Bomet to Bungoma, Kiambu to Marsabit, the unfolding cases expose a troubling pattern: county governments allegedly turned into personal cash machines, where governors and their allies exploited public resources through proxy companies, kickbacks, and tender fraud.

If successfully prosecuted, the cases will be one of the biggest crackdowns on corruption at the county level since devolution began.

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