On Monday, Bomet County Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted to impeach three executive committee members from Prof. Hillary Barchok’s government, citing allegations of mismanagement of public funds, gross misconduct, and a lack of integrity.
The decision followed a heated session in which MCAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance and conduct of the three officials: Ngetich Kipkoech Erick (Roads, Public Works, and Transport), Andrew Sigei (Finance and Economic Planning), and Dr. Joseph Kirui (Administration, Public Service, and Special Programs).
The impeachment motion, introduced by Sigor ward MCA Peter Mutai and supported by Nathan Kibet (Kapletundo) ward and Peter Langat (Merigi), accused Ngetich of failing to implement county budget projects, mismanaging millions in road construction machinery, and violating financial management principles.
He was also criticized for failing to explain the utilization of Sh195 million for county roads and Sh78 million for cross-cutting roads in the fiscal year 2023-2024.
Mutai highlighted that, despite spending Sh40 million on fuel for county construction machinery, only eight out of 25 wards had utilized the machinery, with most remaining unused for extended periods, indicating poor management and violation of public rights.
Sigei faced accusations of failing to publish the County Fiscal Strategy Paper and the County Annual Development Plan, violating the Public Finance Management Act of 2012. He was also criticized for not ensuring sufficient revenue streams for the county, resulting in consistent failures to meet revenue targets.
Kibet pointed out that the county collected Sh157,105,283 against a budgeted Sh332,041,830 for the 2023-24 financial year and mentioned the illegal operation of two bank accounts within the county.
Dr. Kirui was accused of not overseeing the completion of various county infrastructure projects, including the governor’s residence and ward offices. Langat criticized Kirui for failing to ensure adequate working conditions and space, timely payment of stipends and field allowances for county staff in sub-county and ward offices, as well as providing proper furniture.
