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Ex-Nairobi Governor Kidero released on Sh2m bail


Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and his co-accused Maurice Okere have been released on Sh2 million cash bail.

They were also given a bond of Sh3 million with a surety of same amount.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti on Thursday, Dr Kidero, former Nairobi County Treasury boss Okere and seven others (who were not present in court) are accused of abuse of office, money laundering and bribery.

The are alleged to have facilitated the loss of Sh213,327,300 between January 16, 2014 and January 25, 2016.

EVIDENCE

It is further claimed they plotted to commit corruption by authorising payment to various companies for services not rendered.

Dr Kidero allegedly received a total of Sh24 million from Lodwar Wholesalers Ltd on diverse dates.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said other allegations are conflict of interest and failure to protect public property.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on Wednesday said it agreed with the EACC that there is enough evidence to charge the suspects.

“The DPP has independently reviewed the file and material submitted to him and is satisfied that the persons named are criminally culpable jointly and severally,” the DPP communicated Wednesday evening.

SUSPECTS

Also to be charged alongside Dr Kidero are Lilian Wanjiru (former county secretary), Jimmy Mutuku (Former CFO), Gregory Mwakanongo (former Finance executive) and Stephen Ogago (Former H/O County Treasury).

Others are Luke Mugo (Ag Chief Officer Finance), John Githua and Grace Njeri of Lodwar Wholesalers Ltd and Ngurumani Traders Ltd and the two companies.

On Wednesday, Dr Kidero claimed he was unaware of the reasons for his arrest.

In March, a damning report by audit firm KPMG, which covered revenue, debts, cash and banking as well as assets, indicated that Sh21 billion was not accounted for by Dr Kidero when he left office last year.