NAIROBI — A Nairobi anti-corruption court has given prosecutors 30 days to hand over evidence in the graft case facing Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok.
Governor Barchok, businessman Evans Kipkoech Korir, and Chemasus Construction Limited are accused of money laundering, conflict of interest, and illegal use of funds under Kenya’s Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. All three have pleaded not guilty.
On Tuesday, Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore directed the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to supply the defence with all disclosure documents within the set period. The order followed a request from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which sought more time to compile the case materials.
The magistrate further ruled that the documents be shared in hard copy rather than electronically.
Lawyers for the accused did not object to the extension but stressed that disclosure must mirror the format to be used at trial.
The charges stem from a transaction on or about March 10, 2021. Prosecutors allege that Ksh.2 million was transferred from Chemasus Construction Limited’s Equity Bank account into an account belonging to Governor Barchok. The movement of funds, they claim, was intended to disguise its origin.
The court will mention the case again on 28 October to confirm whether the documents have been shared and to give further directions.
Neither the governor nor his co-accused made any public statements after the ruling.
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