Governor Barchok suspends six county officials over graft

Bomet Governor Hilary Barchok (pictured) has suspended six senior officials in the department of Lands Urban Planning and Housing over alleged involvement in misappropriation of funds.

According to a media brief released on Monday evening, the Chief Officer for lands, housing and urban Planning Eng Victor Ngetich, procurement officer Robert Ngetich and assistant procurement officer Evans Kiprono have been sent on compulsory leave pending investigations.

Also sent home were Jackline Kirui, an accountant, storekeeper Stella Chepkemoi and examiner Korir Wesley.

The amount involved remained scanty with the governor directing an immediate internal audit to unravel the scale of the scandal that involved payment to fictitious companies for services not rendered.

The media brief signed by county director of communication Ezra Kirui indicated that some of the companies siphoned cash from the county coffers made fresh claims of pending bills after using fictitious documents in previous illegal payments.

“Such companies will be flagged for investigations and subsequent appropriate legal action,” read the statement in part.

At the same time, Dr Barchok has appointed Mr Simon Langat as acting chief officer in the department.