DPP orders prosecution of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over alleged graft
The investigation alleges that Governor Barchok received Sh2,750,500 from companies that traded with Bomet County between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered the prosecution of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over alleged conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
In a statement on Thursday, the DPP said it received inquiry files from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on July 18, 2025, accompanied by reports under section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (Cap 65, Laws of Kenya).
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The investigation alleges that Governor Barchok received Sh2,750,500 from companies that traded with Bomet County between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years. The EACC recommended that Barchok and Evans Kipkoech Korir, Director of Chemasus Construction Limited, be arraigned.
“Upon thorough review, I have directed that Governor Hillary Kipngeno Barchok be charged with conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003, and unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to section 45(1)(a) as read with section 48 of the same Act,” the DPP said.
Additionally, ODPP said Barchok, Korir and Chemasus Construction Limited will face charges of acquisition of proceeds of crime contrary to section 4(a) as read with section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009.
The DPP also addressed allegations against former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and a host of county officials and private contractors who allegedly embezzled Sh70,205,882. The inquiry implicated several individuals, including Bungoma County Roads, Infrastructure and Public Works Chief Officer Maurice Waiile Marango, Director of Supply Chain Management Alex Musonye Odanga and Director of Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd Michael Simiyu Wangamati.
Others implicated include Director of multiple construction firms Edward Maaya Makhanu, Director of multiple construction firms Jumah Swaleh Juma, Supervisor at Skyman Freighters Ltd and Director of multiple companies Wafula Wakoli Chesititi, Administrator at Skyman Freighters Ltd and Director of Nabweso Builders Ltd Wisdom Baraka Safari, Director Naineso Builders Ltd Rita Muaka Muamboje, Accountant at Skyman Freighters Ltd and Director of multiple companies Sandra Nasambu Soita, Directors of Calisilanic Building & Co. Contractors Ltd Christopher Masika Makokha and Jimmy Wekesa Barasa, Director Nasikhab Civil Contractors Ltd Joseph Wanyonyi Khaemba and Director Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd Edward Barasa Wangamati.
Also named are: Director Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd Siloan Wanyonyi Wangamati, Director Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd George Wangamati, Director Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd Nicholas Wangamati, Director Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd Emmanuel Sudi Wangamati, and Webuye Constituency MP Daniel Wanyama Sitati.
The DPP confirmed the charges recommended by the EACC, saying: “Wycliffe Wangamati will be charged with conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with sections 38 and 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. Michael Wangamati, Nicholas Wangamati, Edward Barasa Wangamati, and Nabwala Construction Ltd will face charges of acquisition of proceeds of crime. Edward Maaya Makhanu, Sandra Nasambu Soita, Valeria Construction Ltd, and Wafula Chesititi will face charges of fraudulent practice in procurement proceedings under section 66 as read with section 177 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.”
Further procurement-related charges were recommended against other contractors and officials, emphasising the DPP’s commitment to ensuring accountability and adherence to the law.
The DPP also confirmed that investigations into Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi and Marsabit Governor Mohamed Mohamud Ali are ongoing.
“Further inquiries will be conducted to establish the full extent of any alleged misconduct and ensure justice is served,” it said.
EACC alleges that Governor Wamatangi was involved in a Sh1.27 billion tender scheme in which companies linked to his wife, children, and sister secured lucrative road contracts while he served as a senator.
Investigators say that between 2017 and 2022, when he chaired the Senate Roads and Transportation Committee, these firms were fronted by his relatives but the accounts remained under his sole control. EACC also claims that Lub Plus Oil & Energy, owned by his wife and children, allegedly received over Sh615 million.
In Marsabit, EACC has recommended that Governor Mohamud Ali and his spouses face charges in a Sh728 million procurement probe. Between 2017 and 2024, six companies connected to the governor, his wives, Senator Mohamed Chute, and other associates reportedly won 104 tenders covering water tanks, medical supplies, and roadworks.
Investigators allege that the governor’s family controlled Ororo Company, Damme Investments and Burqa Ventures, which collectively secured Sh360 million, and that payments into these firms were closely linked to transfers into the governor’s personal accounts.
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