The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok in connection with ongoing investigations into the misappropriation of public funds within the county. The arrest took place on Thursday morning, when EACC officers raided Barchok’s residence as part of a broader probe into allegations of embezzlement and conflict of interest.
According to the EACC, the arrest stems from an investigation into allegations that the governor had been involved in the theft of county funds. The commission has been looking into fraudulent activities, including a scheme where Bomet County officials allegedly made improper payments to companies that are suspected to be linked to unnamed county officials. Following his arrest, Barchok is expected to be processed before being escorted to the EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru, where he will be required to record a statement.
This arrest comes as part of a wider inquiry that has been under scrutiny for several months. Back in November 2024, a group of Bomet lawmakers called on the EACC to investigate Governor Barchok for the alleged mismanagement and embezzlement of county resources. At the time, it was reported that the commission was focusing on a group of Bomet County officials, including Chief Executive Officers (CECs), Chief Officers, and other senior county officers, who were believed to have played a role in siphoning Sh1.5 billion from the county’s funds.
The EACC’s investigations revealed that these officials may have diverted public funds through fraudulent payments to companies linked to them or their associates, raising questions about the transparency and accountability within the county administration. The alleged scandal has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to the scale of the embezzlement and the involvement of high-ranking county officials.
Governor Barchok, who has been in office since 2017, has not yet commented on the allegations, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold. However, the EACC’s decisive actions signal its commitment to tackling corruption at the county level and holding those in power accountable for the proper use of public funds.
As the investigation continues, Bomet residents and Kenyans at large will be closely watching the proceedings, hoping that justice will be served in this high-profile case of alleged corruption. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the fight against graft in Kenya’s devolved governments.
