UDA Governor dealt a blow as High Court clears EACC to arrest him on corruption-related charges

Monday, September 1, 2025 - The High Court in Nairobi has paved the way for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok on corruption-related charges.

On Monday, September 1^st, Barchok appeared before the EACC shortly before the court dismissed an application seeking to block his arrest and prosecution.

The ruling followed recommendations by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.

According to the DPP, investigations established that Barchok received Ksh2.75 million from companies trading with the County Government of Bomet between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.

The charges relate to allegations of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.

The DPP further directed that Evans Kipkoech Korir, director of Chemasus Construction Limited, be charged alongside Barchok.

The two, together with the company, are expected to face joint charges of acquiring proceeds of crime.

“I have directed that Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok be charged with conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act,” Ingonga said in a statement.

In the same communication, the DPP also revealed findings from a separate probe into Bungoma County, where former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and several officials allegedly misappropriated Ksh70.2 million through fraudulent procurement practices.

Ingonga confirmed his office had sanctioned charges against Wangamati and his associates, including conflict of interest, fraudulent procurement, and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

Both cases mark the latest high-profile corruption crackdowns targeting County Governments.

The Kenyan DAILY POST