Governor Barchok lived last year under siege, now prays for peace

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok faced the electorate’s wrath over alleged failure to deliver pre-election promises. [File, Standard]

If he were to make a New Year wish, Bomet’s Governor Hillary Barchok would ask the residents of the county time and peace of mind to serve them.

Throughout 2024, Prof Barchok faced the electorate’s wrath due to alleged failure to deliver pre-election promises and poor leadership.

It has become almost tradition for residents to heckle him during public events, especially during presidential development tours.

The highlight of the heckling was last month during a church service at Koiwa Town AIC church in Konoin constituency where Barchok faced a hostile crowd.

The event took an unexpected turn as the governor was heckled moments after President William Ruto handed him the microphone to address a crowd.

The governor faced intensified booing from the crowd, indicating growing discontent among locals.

As the crowd shouted, waving their hands objecting to Barchok’s address, the President appeared lost for words on how to help the governor.

Barchok’s attempt to calm down the slogan-chanting crowd was received with jeers.

Amid disapproval from the crowd, Barchok attempted to ignore the incident, telling the President that the county had “internal wrangles.”

“Your Excellency the President, you are welcome in Bomet. This is your home. We have our internal wrangles and we will deal with them. We don’t want interference. Once again, I say welcome. We are happy,” the governor said amid the jeers.

This latest incident was a carbon copy of a similar occurrence in March, when the governor was subjected to hostility in the presence of the President.

At the time, however, Ruto was quick to intervene, as he pleaded with the crowd to give the governor a chance.

“Please, I want to tell you that I do not want such behaviuor in my gathering. You are the ones who elect MCAs, MPs, senators and even this governor, so please come down,” Ruto said during the March incident.

The reaction from the residents is largely attributed to the alleged failure of the governor to spearhead development as he pledged in his pre-election promise.

The residents also accuse Barchok’s administration of alleged rampant corruption.

Barchok’s tenure over the last two years has been marred with controversy.

In August last year, ward representatives were intent on impeaching the hiss entire Cabinet.

Barchok intervened and stopped the onslaught on his Cabinet by suspending three County Executive Committee (CEC) members in a bid to ease political tensions in the county.

The conflict between the ward representatives and the CEC members stemmed from Sh96 million that was allocated to 25 wards for development.

The money was to be channeled through 10 different departments.

The MCAs, however, accused the governor of misleading the public regarding the funds, which subsequently led to criticism directed at the legislators.

During the President’s March development tour of the county, supporters of the governor and those of area Senator Hillary Sigei engaged in shouting competition and disrupting speeches.

Barchok was the first victim of the heckling in Chepalungu constituency when he was forced to cut short his speech after a group of youth shouted him down.

His attempts to carry on with the speech became futile despite intervention by President Ruto whose plea to allow allow the governor to continue fell on deaf ears.

The two leaders were only able to address the crowd at Chemamul village in Bomet East where President Ruto launched last-mile connectivity for more than 600 households.

But the drama continued in Bomet town where the crowd shouted down Barchok, but his supporters quickly intervened.

However, the governor’s speech was barely audible as his supporters engaged youth who were trying to force him to cut short his speech in shouting matches.

According to local leaders, Barchok’s woes stem from claims of poor service delivery in health facilities, corruption and broken promises.

Barchok has, however, defended his development record, saying the heckling was orchestrated by some leaders out to destroy him politically ahead of the next polls.    

“I am pleading with you as your governor. We are not helping ourselves with unnecessary political battles,” he said.

Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders chairman Richard Ng’eno condemned the incidents and called on elected leaders from the county to shun divisions and unite for the benefit of the community.

Mr Ng’eno expressed concern about incidents where a section of leaders organize for their colleagues to be heckled in public meetings.

Ng’eno said numerous conflicts being witnessed among leaders may cause divisions and undermine development, adding that booing leaders is not part of the community’s behaviour and all leaders must be given equal treatment.

“As elders, we condemn the behaviour and appeal to the young people to maintain silence anytime their leaders are addressing them,” Ng’eno said.