Bomet, Bungoma Ex-Governors Face Graft Charges
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) adds that they are accused of conflict of interest as well as unlawful acquisition of proper.
The ODPP stated that Governor Barchok and Korir were directed to report to court to answer the allegations. The government asserts the governor misused his office when he awarded county tenders to a company belonging to a friend of his ally.Photo/ Citizen Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati have reported to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The two heeded summons raised in connection with corruption-related allegations. They reported the minor at the Commission headquarters in Nairobi on Monday to be questioned and further processed before their arraignment in court.
Governor Barchok is accused alongside Evans Kipkoech Korir, who is the managing director of Chemasus Construction Limited. The two are linked to irregular procurement deals in Bomet County by the detectives. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) adds that they are accused of conflict of interest as well as unlawful acquisition of property. The case is premised on deals worth Ksh. 2.75 million that are alleged to have been issued on suspicious terms.
The ODPP stated that Governor Barchok and Korir were directed to report to court to answer the allegations. The government asserts the governor misused his office when he awarded county tenders to a company belonging to a friend of his ally. The acts, they assert, are abuse of power and violation of public trust.
In his place, a former Governor of Bungoma named Wycliffe Wangamati is under investigation too. He stands accused of embezzling public money during his time in power. The state alleges that he and his family members and close associates received proceeds from a construction and supply company racket. More than ten individuals will likely be charged alongside him.
The ODPP accuses Wangamati and his team of stealing over Ksh. 70 million in fraudulent tenders. It is discovered that different companies owned by his allies were given tenders without following the due procedure. The officials believe the scam was orchestrated to loot county resources.
EACC officials argue that the law will be applied to all, without exception. The two governors’ cases reflect efforts to fight corruption in counties. The authorities want to show that public funds abuse would not go unpunished.
The move has kept the interest of the citizens who continue demanding accountability in the county governments. The majority of Kenyans believe that curbing corruption is the only way of protecting taxpayers’ money. Prosecuting Barchok and Wangamati now threatens a legal battle that could send a strong message to public officials across the country.
About Author
