Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati has strongly refuted allegations that Sh3.6 million in public funds was spent on a Christmas tree during his tenure, calling the claims misleading and insisting the money was used for a legitimate benchmarking trip.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Wangamati addressed the controversy that erupted following Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) on February 2, 2026.
During the session, committee chair Senator Moses Kajwang grilled Lusaka over an Auditor General’s report highlighting the expenditure, described as facilitation for a “Christmas tree lighting celebration” in September 2019.
Wangamati, who served as governor from 2017 to 2022, categorically denied any involvement in extravagant spending on festive decorations.
“I have heard, seen and read claims alleging that under my leadership, KSh 3.6 million was spent on a Christmas tree,” he wrote. “Let me clarify two things: (1) I am not that kind of man. I am not known to splash public money recklessly or without a conscience. That is not how I earned the nickname ‘Ku-save.’ For the avoidance of doubt, no such purchase ever took place – certainly not under my leadership. I do not understand at what point a Senator got to refer to it as expenditure on a Christmas tree!”
He further explained that the funds in question—approximately Sh3.6 million —were actually imprest for a benchmarking trip to Mbale, Uganda, plus allowances for Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who participated.
“The imprest in question was cashed by and paid out to MCAs by Francis Tome, who was then Deputy Clerk of the County Assembly,” Wangamati clarified.
Emphasizing separation of powers, he added that his office (the Executive) had no role in handling or disbursing the money.
“My office neither handled the said money nor made any payments to the MCAs that travelled. If there are questions, they should be directed to the County Assembly leadership because the Executive does not supervise the Assembly. Its the Assembly that supervises the Executive,” he concluded, using the Swahili phrase ‘Mimi ni mweupe kama pamba” to mean I am as white as cotton”.
The issue surfaced during Lusaka’s grilling over several audit queries, including the unusual September timing for a Christmas-related activity. Lusaka distanced himself from the expenditure, noting it occurred in 2019—before he assumed office—and urged the committee not to attribute it to his administration.
“For the record, Mr Chair, it will appear as if I am the one responsible. This happened in 2019. Please, Chair, I also need protection,” he reportedly said.
The revelation has sparked public outrage and online discussions, with many questioning the justification for such spending amid other county priorities. It draws parallels to earlier Bungoma controversies, such as the high-cost wheelbarrows procured during Governor Lusaka’s first term.
Neither the current County Assembly leadership nor former Deputy Clerk Francis Tome has publicly responded to Wangamati’s claims as of press time. The Senate committee is expected to continue probing the matter as part of broader oversight on devolved funds utilization.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between past and present administrations in Bungoma, as well as the challenges of accountability in county expenditure under Kenya’s devolved system.