Bomet County in Turmoil as Governor and Senator Clash Amid Corruption Allegations
Bomet County is facing a leadership crisis as Governor Hillary Barchok battles corruption charges while clashing publicly with Senator Hillary Sigei over alleged mismanagement and service delivery failures. Governor Barchok, once praised for his developmental agenda, has been arraigned over irregularly receiving KSh 2 million from county contracts, accused of money laundering, and charged under conflict of interest and procurement laws. The scandal has intensified scrutiny on county governance and exposed gaps in healthcare, infrastructure, and financial oversight.
The tensions escalated following the tragic death of a three-year-old at Longisa County Referral Hospital, reportedly due to staff negligence after a bee sting. Senator Sigei criticized Governor Barchok for blaming Senate budget delays for ambulance fuel shortages, highlighting that allocated funds had gone unused. Sigei further alleged arrears in salaries for village council members, casual healthcare workers, and community health promoters, while questioning road and water project management. Meanwhile, Barchok’s defense of county hospitals and infrastructure projects has been undermined by reports of drug shortages, expired medications, and stalled services. Adding to the pressure, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the Governor’s residences earlier this year, seizing evidence related to a Sh1.45 billion graft probe.
While Sigei positions himself as an anti-corruption advocate, pushing for EACC investigations and promoting e-procurement to curb favoritism, critics accuse him of selective activism. In Bomet’s tea sector, farmers continue to suffer from tampered scales and low factory bonuses, yet the Senator—chair of key Senate committees—has taken limited action, sparking questions over his priorities. The public spat between the two leaders, which has included Senate clashes and accusations at political meetings, has created a perception of theater, while systemic corruption and mismanagement continue to impact residents.
As Bomet faces preventable deaths, stalled development, and declining trust in leadership, calls are growing for comprehensive action. Experts urge independent audits of county finances, investigations into healthcare facilities, and reforms in the tea sector to ensure transparency and accountability. With both leaders trading barbs, residents hope for decisive governance and tangible results rather than political theater, stressing that Bomet’s future hinges on service delivery, integrity, and the exposure of corruption.