Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has encountered a major setback after the High Court declined his bid to block arrest and prosecution over alleged corruption offenses.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court refused to grant interim orders that would have barred the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from proceeding with investigations and possible charges against the governor.
Instead, the judge directed that the respondents, including the EACC and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), be formally served with court papers.
The matter is scheduled for mention on September 7 to confirm compliance and allow for responses.
Governor Barchok had filed an urgent application, seeking the court’s intervention to halt what he described as an unlawful attempt to arrest and arraign him.
Through his legal team, the governor argued that the corruption allegations were without merit and crafted to malign his reputation.
Central to the case is a payment made to Barchok by Chemasus Construction Limited, which the EACC believes may constitute a conflict of interest.
The anti-graft body is investigating whether the transaction had links to contracts awarded by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the Bomet County Government.
Barchok, however, has maintained that the payment in question was tied to a private lease agreement unrelated to any public procurement dealings.
“There was no conflict of interest. A simple verification would have made that clear,” Barchok told the court, insisting the matter was being politicized.
The High Court’s decision came shortly after the EACC issued summons to both Governor Barchok and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
The two are under investigation alongside several company directors and associates alleged to be linked to procurement irregularities.
The ODPP has reportedly given clearance for the prosecution of the implicated parties once investigations are complete.
Governor Barchok, along with Evans Kipkoech Korir, a director of Chemasus Construction, is at the center of inquiries focusing on alleged irregular financial dealings within the Bomet County administration.
