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The Nairobian

Wangamati, deputy faces Sh50 million defamation claim over remarks on county officials

Western

By David Njaaga | Jan 22, 2025

**Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.** [Standard, File]

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and his deputy, Charles Ngome, risk losing Sh50 million if they admit liability in a defamation suit filed by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.

The case centres on allegations of murder and financial mismanagement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

Barasa accuses the duo of making false and politically motivated claims against him.

“Their allegations are frivolous and meant to tarnish my name,” said Barasa, adding that NG-CDF funds have not been misappropriated.

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The suit, filed through lawyer Danstan Omari, followed a demand letter to Wangamati, Ngome and Kenya National Union of Teachers official Crispinus Sifuna.

The letter gave them seven days to respond, failing which the matter would proceed to court.

In a speech translated from Bukusu, Sifuna accused Barasa of building substandard structures with NG-CDF funds and coercing school staff to falsify financial records.

The crowd reportedly echoed these claims during the address.

Omari said the statements were defamatory and unsupported.

“Our client has faithfully served Kimilili residents and these claims came as a surprise,” noted Omari.

Barasa insists the allegations are part of a smear campaign to derail his political ambitions.

The defendants are yet to respond publicly to the suit.