Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and his former Bungoma counterpart Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati are expected to be arraigned over a graft case.
The move follows investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and approval of charges by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
On August 28, 2025, the ODPP approved charges against both leaders.
According to the ODPP, the cases relate to inquiries into county government operations that raised allegations of procurement fraud, conflict of interest, and misappropriation of public funds.
In a statement, DPP Renson Ingonga said Governor Barchok is to face charges of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
According to EACC investigators, companies allegedly linked to him received payments from the Bomet county government between the financial years 2019/20 and 2025.
The former Bungoma Governor Wangamati is expected to face charges of conflict of interest.
The inquiry report indicated that funds were allegedly diverted through private companies said to be connected to him and his close associates.
In a bid to halt prosecution, Barchok sought legal relief via a certificate of urgency requesting that the High Court stop his arrest and prosecution.
However, on September 1, 2025, the court declined to suspend his prosecution. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered that Barchok must serve his petition to the EACC both in soft and hard copy by September 2, 2025, with the EACC to file a response by close of business on September 19.
The court directed that the matter be mentioned on October 7 for further directions on an expedited hearing and determination.
Meanwhile, the graft case involving the two leaders is set to proceed. Both are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
