According to reports from Citizen TV, High Court has cleared the way for the arrest and prosecution of Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok.
This is after dismissing his bid to block EACC investigators from taking action against him.
Governor Barchok had moved to court seeking protection from arrest and prosecution by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
He argued that the commission had acted in bad faith and was unfairly targeting him in corruption investigations.
However, the High Court ruled that the EACC has the legal mandate to investigate and take action against any public officer suspected of corruption.
The case revolves around allegations that millions of taxpayers’ money have been misappropriated under his watch.
According to reports, the governor is among several top officials who were summoned by the EACC for questioning.
Investigators allege that funds meant for key development projects were diverted to personal accounts.
Thus raising questions about accountability and transparency in the county.
The ruling now gives detectives a free hand to arrest Governor Barchok and subject him to the due process of law.
Sources indicate that his arrest could happen any time, with detectives keen to ensure that public funds are protected and mismanagement punished.
The development comes at a time when President William Ruto’s administration has intensified its crackdown on corruption across all levels of government.
The Head of State has repeatedly said that no official, regardless of rank or position, will be spared if found guilty of plundering public resources.
The fate of Governor Barchok now hangs in the balance as his arrest will affect the operations of his county.
His arrest and possible prosecution will serve as a major test of the government’s resolve to tackle corruption and restore public trust in the management of taxpayers’ money.
By Nairobi