Politics

Wangamati Responds to Claims of Ksh3.6 Million Christmas Tree Spending in Bungoma

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4 months ago Scott

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has addressed allegations that Ksh3.6 million was spent on lighting a Christmas tree during his time in office.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Wangamati dismissed the claims, saying they were misleading and did not reflect what actually happened.

He explained that he had seen reports claiming that the money was used to purchase or light a Christmas tree, but insisted that no such expenditure took place under his leadership.

“I have come across claims alleging that Ksh3.6 million was spent on a Christmas tree during my tenure. Let me be clear: no such purchase or expenditure happened under my administration,” Wangamati stated.

The former governor also questioned why some senators described the funds as Christmas tree spending, noting that the claims were inaccurate.

Money Was Used for Benchmarking Trip, Wangamati Says

According to Wangamati, the amount mentioned by senators was actually used to facilitate a benchmarking trip to Mbale, Uganda. He said the funds covered travel and allowances for Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who participated in the visit.

He further explained that the money was handled by the County Assembly, not the county executive. The imprest, he said, was processed and paid out to MCAs by Francis Tome, who was serving as the Deputy Clerk of the County Assembly at the time.

Wangamati emphasised that he neither handled the funds nor authorised payments to the MCAs involved in the trip.

He added that if there are concerns about the expenditure, they should be directed to the leadership of the County Assembly, arguing that the Assembly operates independently from the executive arm of the county government.

“I did not manage or disburse the money in question. Any questions should be addressed to the County Assembly leadership, which is responsible for such expenditures,” he said.