Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok is set to face corruption charges after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga approved his prosecution over allegations of conflict of interest and unlawful property acquisition.
In a statement released Thursday, August 28, the DPP said investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) linked the governor to irregular county contracts worth Ksh.2.75 million.
“The EACC recommended that the following persons be arraigned in court; Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok, the Governor of Bomet, and Evans Kipkoech Korir, Director of Chemasus Construction Limited,” read part of the statement.
According to the DPP, the governor colluded with Korir, whose company allegedly received tenders that violated procurement laws. The charges include conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The development makes Barchok the latest sitting governor to face criminal prosecution, marking a major test for his administration and political career. If found guilty, he could be forced out of office in line with constitutional provisions on integrity in public service.
The DPP emphasized that the decision to approve the charges followed a thorough review of the EACC’s evidence, adding that the case would now proceed to court.
