Director of Public Prosecutions Approves Corruption Charges against Governors Barchok, Wangamati and MP Wanyama

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved the prosecution of several high-profile figures, among them Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, ex- Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Webuye West Member of Parliament (MP) Dan Wanyama.

The decision follows investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which had recommended their prosecution alongside other individuals over alleged corruption.

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 Igonga said Governor Barchok is to be charged with conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property. Investigators allege that companies linked to him received payments from the Bomet county government between the financial years 2019/20 and 2025.

EACC further indicated that Evans Korir, a director of Chemasus Construction Limited, and the company itself, are also to face charges relating to alleged acquisition of proceeds of crime.

Former Bungoma Governor Wangamati will face charges of conflict of interest. The inquiry alleged that funds were diverted through private companies associated with him and his close associates.

Directors of firms such as Skyman Freighters Ltd and Nabwala Construction Ltd — including individuals identified as Michael, Nicholas, Edward Barasa, Silvan, George, Emmanuel Sudi, and Edward Makhanu — are among those recommended for prosecution. Wafula Chesititi has also been named in relation to charges tied to procurement practices.

In total, the EACC has recommended charges against 19 individuals in the Bungoma case. The alleged offences fall under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA).

While the ODPP cleared the Bomet and Bungoma files for prosecution, it flagged evidentiary gaps in cases involving Kiambu and Marsabit counties. The DPP directed the EACC to carry out further investigations before any decision on prosecution.

The Kiambu case centres on claims of procurement irregularities in the award of a Sh10.1 billion tender for an Enterprise Resource Planning System to Filtronic International Limited. The EACC had recommended charges against chief officer Zachariah Gitau and finance executive Nancy Kirumbi, but the DPP returned the file for further evidence.

Similarly, two inquiries into alleged conflict of interest involving Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and county finance executive Boru Wario were also returned for more investigations.

“I have identified critical evidentiary gaps that require further investigations,” Ingonga said, directing the EACC to resubmit the files once complete.

The ODPP noted that the prosecutions reflect its ongoing commitment to tackling economic crimes and ensuring accountability in county governments.

All accused persons are expected to appear in court in the coming days to face charges that include conflict of interest, money laundering, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and failure to comply with procurement laws.

President William Ruto has in recent statements reiterated that the government remains committed to combating corruption.