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Bomet Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have asked Governor Hillary Barchok and the County Public Service Board (CPSB) to take disciplinary action within two weeks, against 18 county government officials implicated in a Sh1573 billion fraud case.
This follows a vote by the MCAs on a motion tabled by Mogogosiek Ward Representative Ernest Rotich Kipkemoi, calling for action against those identified by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in alleged fraudulent economic activities during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
The investigation, which began on October 24, 2024, by EACC, led to the arrest and questioning of senior county officials.
The County Assembly resolution compels Governor Barchok and the CPSB to act against the officials for violations of the Leadership and Integrity Act, the 2010 Constitution, and the Public Officers Act.
The implicated officers are accused of allegedly embezzling public funds by channeling payments to companies linked to themselves, their families, and proxies, and authorising payments for substandard or nonexistent services.
“The County Assembly acted decisively by impeaching three CECs even before the EACC's actions. We now urge the Governor and CPSB to take further administrative action against the officers identified,” Kipkemoi said.
He said if the CPSB does not act within the given time frame, the Governor has the power to order the officials to step aside, as per the Assembly’s resolution.
Stephen Changmorik, Longisa Ward representative, seconded the motion, stressing the need for both legal and administrative actions against those involved.
Nominated MCA Victor Rop proposed an amendment mandating the CPSB to ensure action within 14 days, emphasising the continued presence of the implicated officers in office could compromise the investigations.
A total of 18 officials have been arrested and questioned by the EACC over the past two weeks.
The initial eight arrests took place on October 24, 2024, during simultaneous raids at the suspects’ homes and offices.
Subsequent findings led to the identification of 10 additional suspects linked to fraudulent transactions.
The investigation focuses on the improper procurement of Sh373 million worth of road construction equipment and the alleged embezzlement of Sh1.2 billion paid to various companies for unperformed work.
The EACC plans to recover the stolen Sh1.2 billion and has said charges will be filed against the officials and their associates based on the evidence collected.
The investigation revealed that senior officials were involved in orchestrating fraudulent activities.
