Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok was released on Ksh5 million cash bail after pleading not guilty to corruption-related charges at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. He faces seven counts, including conflict of interest and money laundering, linked to alleged irregular payments for county government contracts.

• Bail terms set by Magistrate Zipporah Gichana were Ksh15 million bond or Ksh5 million cash bail.
• Barchok is prohibited from contacting witnesses, speaking publicly about the case, and leaving Kenya without court approval.
• The charges stem from payments to a construction company allegedly connected to Barchok between November 14, 2019, and March 10, 2021.
• Co-accused individuals were also granted bail on similar terms, and all must surrender their passports within seven days.
• Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was also released on bail in a similar graft case.

The arrest of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has stirred controversy, with his lawyers accusing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of orchestrating his troubles. Wangamati, who presented himself at EACC headquarters on Monday, September 1, faces charges of conflict of interest, which his legal team claims are politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general election.

• Wangamati’s lawyers allege Wetangula is behind the charges, citing a call he allegedly made.
• The EACC is accused of mishandling the case, including summoning a person who passed on three years ago.
• The charges stem from alleged embezzlement of public funds during Wangamati’s tenure as Busia County boss.

Two Kenyan governors, Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok of Bomet and former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati, were arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday over graft allegations. They arrived under tight security and were briefly held before facing charges approved by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

• Wangamati faces 27 charges, including conflict of interest and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

• The investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) uncovered alleged procurement fraud, conflict of interest, and misuse of public funds.

• The EACC had summoned over 10 co-persons of interest linked to companies suspected of diverting county funds.

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been released on a bond of Ksh5 million or a cash bail of Ksh1.5 million by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. He faces graft allegations stemming from an alleged embezzlement of over Ksh70 million involving private companies when he was in office.

• Wangamati was arraigned on charges including conflict of interest and wilful failure to comply with procurement laws.
• The case mention and determination are scheduled for September 18.
• Wangamati, who served from 2017 to 2022, denies all four charges, claiming they are politically motivated.
• Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok is also set to face similar graft-related charges before the same magistrate.

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has been charged with seven criminal counts, including conflict of interest and money laundering, related to alleged irregular payments for county government contracts. The charges stem from the acquisition of an indirect private interest amounting to Ksh.2 million.

• Ksh.2 million unlawfully acquired by Governor Barchok between November 14, 2019, and March 10, 2021.
• Main entities involved are Governor Hillary Barchok, Chemasus Construction Limited, and its Director, Evans Kipkoech Korir.
• The payments were linked to contracts for road maintenance and grader hire awarded by the County Government of Bomet.