More in court for invading Sh5b Kirima farm in Embakasi
Twenty four more people have been charged with invading the 1,300 acre farm valued over Sh5billlion belonging to the late Starehe Member of Parliament Gerishon Kirima.
All the 24 admitted the charge of trespassing into the private land in Embakasi Nairobi County.
They however pleaded for leniency saying they strayed into the property to look for employment.
Senior Principal Magistrate Mr Kennedy Cheruiyot directed the probation department to avail a report about each of the suspects before they can sentenced.
The charging of the 24 brings to 35 those charged with invading into the private land of the former real estate mogul.
THE ACCUSED
The 18 who were arraigned are Richard Onitta Gesuka, Malachi Tai Ooga, Evans Ondieki Nyaribari, Obed Bosire Ongoncho, John Wanyoike Ndung’u, David Maina Muiruri, Joseph Kinyua Wainaina, Edwin Mosira Riogi and Sospeter Nyabenge.
The others are Charles Obino, Geoffrey Odip Otuoma, Ezekiel Ngore Ouma, Jeremiah Odera Odhiambo and Justus Ouko Omiti.
Also charged were Dennis Aketch Odhiambo, Clinton Odhiambo, Esmail Ali, Paul Ochieng Midiwo, David Oricho Ouma, Robert Ouko, Emmanuel Adera Obonyo, Emmanuel Ochieng Oduor and Samuel Okoth Alex.
In mitigation the accused said:
“We are job seekers and had gone to the property to look for employment in the quarry and in constructions being undertaken. That’s when we were arrested.”
PLEADED GUILTY
On May 31 the eight who were charged admitted invading the land and said they had been employed by an investor who was developing part of the land.
However, Mr Cheruiyot acquitted them on June 5 then directed the actual grabber of the property of the former assistant minister be arrested and charged.
All had pleaded guilty to the charge filed against them by the director of public prosecutions (DPP) that they trespassed into private land contrary to Section 3 (1) of the Tresspass Act 294 Laws of Kenya.
The suspects, who were arrested following a complaint by the widow of the former assistant minister, Ms Teresia Wairimu were accused of trespassing into the Njiru Kirima Farm on May 30.
The vast farm is located in Kayole Estate in Embakland sub-county within Nairobi.
