The Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi has directed the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to disclose all evidence within 30 days in a graft case involving Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok, businessman Evans Kipkoech Korir, and Chemasus Construction Limited.
The three are facing serious charges under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009, including money laundering, conflict of interest, and unlawful acquisition and use of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime. All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore issued the directive after the prosecution, represented by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), sought more time to compile and submit the disclosure materials.
The court further ordered that the evidence be supplied in hard copy format, not electronically,a request supported by the defence lawyers, which emphasized that all disclosures must match the format that will be used during trial.
The charges stem from a financial transaction that allegedly took place on March 10, 2021, in which Sh2 million was transferred from Chemasus Construction Limited’s Equity Bank account into an account held by Governor Barchok.
The prosecution alleges this transaction was intended to conceal the source of the funds, suggesting a deliberate attempt to launder money.
According to investigators, the transaction is part of a broader scheme involving irregular procurement and suspected kickbacks related to county government contracts.
Chemasus Construction Limited, which is co-accused in the case, is alleged to have benefited from public tenders, raising questions over conflict of interest and abuse of office.
The case will be mentioned on October 28 to confirm the status of document disclosure and for further directions from the court.
