Bomet Governor Barchok to face corruption charges as DPP goes after Wamatangi and wife in fresh probe

In a statement on Thursday, August 28, DPP Renson Ingonga listed the names of county officials, governors and contractors facing serious allegations of corruption, violation of procurement laws and misappropriation of public property. 

In Bomet County, Governor Barchok and a contractor are set to appear in court to answer charges of conflict of interest and unlawful property acquisition through 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," the statement read in part. 

Likewise, in Bungoma, former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and his officials are accused of embezzling over Ksh. 70 million through tenders, and charges against them have been approved.

The county officials include Maurice Wabwil Marango, Alex Musonye, Michael Simiyu, Edward Maaya, Jumah Swaleh, Wafula Wakoli, Wisdom Baraka, Rita Mwaka, Sandara Nasambu, Christopher Masika and Jimmy Wekesa. 

Others are Joseph Wanyonyi, Edward Wangamati, Silvan Wangamati, George Wangamati, Nicholas Wangamati, Emmanuel Wangamati and Daniel Wanyama.

Further, the DPP directed further investigation in the counties of Kiambu and Marsabit over allegations involving the looting of hundreds of millions of shillings through illegal tenders and companies linked to governors and their relatives. 

In Marsabit, investigations revealed that Governor Mohamud Ali illegally awarded tenders worth over Ksh.728 million during the Financial Years 2017/2018 to 2023/2024. 

In addition, the DPP directed the Commission to probe further allegations of Conflict of Interest by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi during his tenure as the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transport through awarding tenders to companies associated with him during FY 2018/2019 and 2021/2022. 

Among those expected to be arraigned in court include Wamatangi, his wife Anne Waruguru, Charles Kiarie, Mary Njeri, Joseph Mwaura, Annie Njoroge and Faith Wambui. 

"I have identified critical evidentiary gaps that require to be covered by way of further investigations," the DPP stated.