NAIROBI, Kenya – Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok has been released on a Sh5 million cash bail after pleading not guilty to corruption-related charges at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Trial Magistrate Zipporah Gichana on Tuesday set the governor’s bond at Sh15 million or an alternative Sh5 million cash bail, noting that while the prosecution did not oppose his release, the offences were serious and warranted strict terms.
“The accused persons are directed not to contact or in any way interfere with prosecution witnesses by themselves or through proxies,” Magistrate Gichana ruled.
The governor’s co-accused were each granted a bond of Sh5 million or cash bail of Sh2 million.
All the accused were further ordered to surrender their passports within seven days and barred from leaving the country without court approval.
They are also prohibited from making public comments on the case, with the court warning that any violation of the terms could lead to bail cancellation.
Governor Barchok’s lawyer, Issa Mansur, urged the court to impose lenient conditions, arguing that the governor was not a flight risk and had fully cooperated with investigators.
Prosecution counsel Vincent Monda did not oppose bail but pressed for strict conditions, including travel limits and restrictions on commentary, to safeguard the integrity of proceedings.
The case will be mentioned on September 17 for further directions.
