Court gives DPP 30 days to supply evidence in Bomet Governor Barchok graft case

The Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi has given the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) 30 days to furnish the defence with all disclosure materials in the graft case facing Bomet Governor Hillary Kipng’eno Barchok, businessman Evans Kipkoech Korir, and Chemasus Construction Limited.

Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore issued the directive after the prosecution, through the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), sought additional time to prepare and supply documents.

The court further ordered that the evidence be provided in hard copy rather than electronically.

Lawyers for the accused did not oppose the extension but insisted that disclosure must be in the same format that will be used during the trial.

The three accused persons have pleaded not guilty to charges under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009, including money laundering, conflict of interest, and acquisition and use of proceeds of crime.

The charges stem from a transaction on or about March 10, 2021, when Ksh.2 million was allegedly moved from Chemasus Construction Limited’s Equity Bank account into an account belonging to Governor Barchok, allegedly to conceal the source of the funds.

The case will be mentioned on October 28 to confirm service of documents and issue further directions.