Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has been arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds in the county. This arrest comes after mounting pressure from local legislators and concerned citizens, who have raised alarm over possible corruption within the county administration.
Reports from Kenyans.co.ke indicate that EACC officers conducted a raid at Barchok’s residence as part of their efforts to obtain key documents related to fraudulent activities in the county. The investigation primarily centers on allegations of misappropriation of Ksh373 million in public funds, particularly focusing on issues of theft, procurement fraud, and conflicts of interest involving the acquisition of heavy road construction equipment.
Corruption Allegations and Public Outcry
The investigation into Barchok’s administration began after local leaders, led by Senator Hillary Sigei, demanded accountability from the governor. The legislators specifically pointed to a tragic case at Longisa Hospital, where a three-year-old patient allegedly died due to negligence attributed to poor management. This incident highlighted the ongoing concerns about the state of healthcare facilities in the county.
In response, the county’s legislative leaders called for action from the EACC and urged that both the governor and other county officials be held accountable for the alleged mismanagement of resources. The probe also uncovered fraudulent activities linked to the purchase of road construction equipment and trucks.
EACC’s Investigation and Arrest of County Officials
As part of its investigation, the EACC has called for financial and procurement records from the county administration, including documents like the approved budget for FY 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, as well as procurement plans and requisitions. In total, 18 county officials have been arrested for their involvement in the alleged corrupt activities.
Next Steps and Legal Process
Governor Barchok is now set to record a statement at the EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru. The commission is determined to ensure that any misused or embezzled funds are recovered and that those responsible for the corruption are held accountable.
As investigations continue, the EACC has made it clear that it will pursue all avenues to address the corruption issues within Bomet County, and further actions are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
