The anti-corruption body revealed that it was probing the illegal disbursement of Ksh1,451,882,576 to high-ranking officials of the county government.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is now investigating how Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok was involved in a Ksh1.45 billion scandal.
In a statement released hours after his arrest on Thursday, February 6, the anti-corruption body revealed that it was probing the illegal disbursement of Ksh1,451,882,576 to high-ranking officials of the county government.
According to the Commission’s findings, the funds were allocated to these officials under the guise of supplier payments, despite no goods or services being provided. Apart from Barchok, the investigation targeted eight county officials and two contractors.
EACC offices at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. /FILE
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirms that today, Thursday, 6th February 2025, the Commission conducted a successful operation targeting Bomet Governor Hon. Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok, Eight (8) other Senior County Officials and two (2) contractors who are under investigation for conflict of interest and theft of public funds through fraudulent payment of KES 1,451,882,576/= to suppliers and contractors who are senior employees of the County Government of Bomet. The payments were made for works and services not rendered,” the statement read in part.
EACC added that the operation, which was undertaken in various premises linked to the suspects in Nairobi and Bomet Counties pursuant to court orders, yielded crucial evidentiary material that will aid in the finalization of the ongoing investigation.
The body also confirmed that Governor Barchok has been escorted to the Commission’s South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru for further processing.
“The Commission remains firmly focused on its mandate and will continue to enforce the law against all persons engaging in the theft of public funds,” asserted EACC.
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.
He 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.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok during a past address. /HILLARY BARCHOK