DPP approves graft charges against Barchok, probes on other governors ongoing
The probe revealed that Governor Barchok allegedly received 2.75 million shillings from companies that conducted business with Bomet County
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved the prosecution of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over alleged involvement in conflict of interest and irregular acquisition of public assets.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DPP confirmed that it had received investigation files from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on July 18, 2025, along with reports under section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
The probe revealed that Governor Barchok allegedly received 2.75 million shillings from companies that did business with Bomet County between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Following this, the anti-graft body recommended charges against both Governor Barchok and Evans Kipkoech Korir, the Director of Chemasus Construction Limited.
“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 stated.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions also confirmed that Barchok, Korir, and Chemasus Construction Limited will be charged with acquiring proceeds of crime, contrary to section 4(a) as read with section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009.
In the same statement, the DPP addressed separate investigations involving former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and various county officials and contractors who are accused of mismanaging over 70 million shillings in public funds.
Those mentioned include Maurice Waiile Marango, Chief Officer for Roads, Infrastructure and Public Works in Bungoma; Alex Musonye Odanga, Director of Supply Chain Management; and Michael Simiyu Wangamati, Director of Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd.
Also linked to the case are Edward Maaya Makhanu, Jumah Swaleh Juma, Wafula Wakoli Chesititi, Wisdom Baraka Safari, Rita Muaka Muamboje, Sandra Nasambu Soita, Christopher Masika Makokha, Jimmy Wekesa Barasa, Joseph Wanyonyi Khaemba, Edward Barasa Wangamati, and several others connected to multiple construction firms.
Other individuals named include Siloan Wanyonyi Wangamati, George Wangamati, Nicholas Wangamati, Emmanuel Sudi Wangamati, and Webuye Constituency Member of Parliament Daniel Wanyama Sitati.
Confirming the list of charges, the DPP said: “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.”
The DPP also approved other procurement-related charges against more contractors and county officials, affirming the commitment to follow through with investigations and enforcement of the law.
Meanwhile, the DPP confirmed that probes 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,” the statement said.
According to EACC, Governor Wamatangi is under investigation for a 1.27 billion shilling contract scheme allegedly awarded to companies linked to his immediate family during his time as a senator.
The companies, which reportedly received road construction contracts between 2017 and 2022 while he chaired the Senate Roads and Transportation Committee, were allegedly fronted by his wife, children, and sister.
The commission further claims that Lub Plus Oil & Energy, owned by his wife and children, received over 615 million shillings.
In the case of Marsabit, the anti-corruption agency recommended charges against Governor Mohamud Ali and his spouses in connection with a 728 million shilling procurement issue.
From 2017 to 2024, six companies tied to the governor, his wives, Senator Mohamed Chute, and other close associates reportedly won more than 100 tenders related to medical supplies, road construction, and water tanks.
