Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok(in charcoal grey suit) being released on September 2, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok(in charcoal grey suit) leaves the court on September 2, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A
Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok has been freed on Sh5 million cash bail after denying corruption-related charges at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Trial Magistrate Zipporah Gichana on Tuesday granted the governor a bond of Sh15 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh5 million.
She noted that while the prosecution had not opposed bail, the offences before the court were of a serious nature and required strict terms.
"The accused persons are directed not to contact or in any way interfere with prosecution witnesses by themselves or through proxies," the court directed.
The governor’s co-accused were granted a bond of Sh5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh2 million.
Magistrate Gichana further directed that all the accused must deposit their passports in court within seven days and should not leave the country without prior court approval.
In addition, they were barred from making any public commentary on the matter. The court warned that breaching any of the set conditions would attract legal consequences, including but not limited to the possible cancellation of bail.
The ruling followed arguments by the defence and the prosecution. Counsel Issa Mansur, appearing for the governor, urged the court to impose lenient terms, emphasising that his client had fully cooperated with investigators and was not a flight risk.
"He was summoned by authorities and appeared and is present in court. He will cooperate and will be here on hearing," Lawyer Issa had submitted.
Prosecution counsel Vincent Monda did not oppose bail but urged the court to impose strict terms, saying the conditions were necessary to safeguard the integrity of proceedings.
He pressed for limits on travel and commentary, noting that public statements outside court could prejudice the trial.
Magistrate Gichana adopted the submissions, reminding both sides to observe the sub judice rule and warned against any violation of the bail terms.
The case will return to court on September 17 for mention and further directions.
