EACC summons Bomet Governor Barchok, ex-Bungoma Governor Wangamati over graft

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati over corruption-related allegations.

In a statement on Friday, the commission said it had received consent from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to charge the two alongside several associates and company directors linked to their cases.

Governor Barchok and Evans Kipkoech Korir, a director of Chemasus Construction Limited, are facing allegations of conflict of interest in procurement dealings at the County Government of Bomet.

In a separate case, former Governor Wangamati is accused of embezzling public funds during his tenure in Bungoma County.

He will be charged together with more than ten individuals, including relatives and associates tied to various construction and supply firms alleged to have benefited from the scheme.

Those summoned alongside Wangamati during his tenure include, directors Michael Simiyu Wangamati (Skyman Freighters and Nabwala Construction Ltd); Nicholas Wangamati (Skyman Freighters and Nabwala Construction Ltd); Edward Barasa Wangamati (Skyman Freighters and Nabwala Construction Ltd); Edward Maaya Makhanu (Fastec† Suppliers, Kelco Builders, Mundesi Contractors, Nabweso Builders and Valeria Construction Ltd); Sandra Soita Nasambu (accountant at Skyman Freighters Ltd and director at Fastec Suppliers, Kelco Builders and Valeria Construction Ltd); and Wafula Wakoli Chesititi (supervisor, Skyman Freighters and director at Fastec Suppliers, Kelco Builders and Valeria Construction).

Others are Bramwel Mukewe Wafula; directors Juma Swaleh Juma (Fastec Suppliers, Kelco Builders and Valeria Construction Ltd); Jimmy Wekesa Barasa (Calisilanic Building & Co. Contractors and Nasikhub Civil Contractors Ltd); Christopher Masika Makokha (Calisilanic Building & Co. Contractors and Nasikhub Civil Contractors Ltd); and Joseph Wanyonyi Khaemba (Nasikhub Civil Contractors Ltd).

EACC has directed all suspects to present themselves at the Integrity Centre in Nairobi on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 8 am for processing ahead of arraignment in court.

“EACC directs the above-named suspects to present themselves at the EACC Headquarters at Integrity Centre on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 0800 hrs for processing and arraignment,” stated EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud.

Mohamud confirmed that the prosecutions form part of its ongoing efforts to combat graft and enforce accountability in county governments.

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

According to the ODPP, Governor Barchok and a contractor were ordered to appear in court to answer charges of conflict of interest and unlawful property acquisition through county contracts worth Ksh.2.75 million. 

Likewise, in Bungoma, Wangamati and his officials were accused of embezzling over Ksh.70 million through tenders.

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.