The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) governor is set to record a statement at EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru.
Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok.
Reports that reached Viral Tea on Thursday, February 6 indicated that the county boss was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of county funds.
“The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of conflict of interest and theft of public funds in Bomet County, where the Governor is a suspect,” EACC stated.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) governor is set to record a statement at EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru.
EACC offices at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. /FILE
Barchok was arrested at his home in Bomet County when EACC detectives stormed into the residence trying to locate documents that would affirm the links to fraudulent activities in the county.
Barchok was arrested months after legislators from Bomet County demanded his detention over accusations of corruption and fund mismanagement in the county.
“Bomet County is a hub of corruption. For the last three years, nothing has been going on. We want to see heads rolling and action being taken against those engaging in misappropriation of funds,” mentioned Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei.
Bomet MPs pointed out the mismanagement of several hospitals in the county, claiming it resulted in the death of a three-year-old patient, Ruth Chepngeno, at Longisa Hospital due to negligence.
Since 2024, the EACC has been investigating Bomet County over suspected fraudulent payments totalling Ksh1.2 billion. The funds were allegedly directed to companies reportedly owned by unidentified county officials.
Additionally, the county is under scrutiny for irregular procurement of road construction equipment valued at Ksh373 million. The EACC is focusing its probe on accusations of theft, conflict of interest, and procurement fraud related to the acquisition of heavy road construction equipment and trucks.
To support the investigation, the EACC requested various financial and procurement records from the county secretary.
“Kindly provide us with the following original documents: approved budget for FY 2022/2023 and 2023/2024; approved procurement plan for FY 2022/2023 and 2023/2024; procurement requisition; approved memo-seeking approval advertisement,” stated EACC South Rift Regional Manager Ignatius Wekesa in a letter dated July 30.
The investigation uncovered the involvement of senior officials in coordinating the fraudulent activities, leading to the EACC arresting 18 county officials from Bomet.
Governor Barchok has been taken in for more investigations as EACC works to solve the puzzle of misused and embezzled funds, and ensuring they are returned.
