KENYA : The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed the reason behind the Arrest of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok.
Earlier today, officers attached to the EACC apprehended the County Chief in his home.
According to the Anti-Graft body, the Governor's arrest, is in connection to a Ksh 1.4 billion scandal, in which fficials working in the County Government allegedly Misappropriated public resources to their Benefit.
In a statement dated Thursday, February 6, EACC detailed it was investigating the fraudulent payment of Ksh1,451,882,576 to senior employees of the county government.
Apart from Barchok, the investigation targeted 8 county officials and 2 contractors.
As revealed by the Commission, the money was paid to the officials as suppliers yet no works or services were rendered.
On the other hand, EACC added that the homes of the suspects were raided with critical documents retrieved.
Meanwhile, EACC added that the county boss was still being processed at the EACC's South Rift Regional Offices.
"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. Governor Barchok has been escorted to the Commission's South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru for further processing," read the statement in part.
"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."
Barchok’s arrest comes months after lawmakers from Bomet County called for his arrest over alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds 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,” said Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei.
The Bomet MPs highlighted the mismanagement of various hospitals in the county, which allegedly led to the death of a three-year-old patient, Ruth Chepngeno at Longisa Hospital due to negligence.
Bomet County has been under investigation by EACC since 2024 over alleged fraudulent payments, with Money allegedly paid to companies reportedly owned by unnamed county officials.
