Why Kidero’s graft, abuse of office case failed to take off
The trial of former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and six other officials faced a hitch on Wednesday after it emerged that the prosecution was yet to supply all the statements to the defence team.
Appearing before senior principal magistrate Lawrence Mugambi, defence lawyers — led by Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda — informed the court that they were yet to be supplied with witness statements and other documents the prosecution will rely on during the trial.
Mr Mugambi directed the prosecution to supply the documents and appear before him on August 29, to confirm the same.
DENIED CHARGES
Dr Kidero and former chief officers in his administration, have denied graft and abuse of office charges and are out on bond.
They include former county secretary Lilian Ndegwa, former chief finance officer Jimmy Mutuku Kiamba, former finance and planning executive Gregory Mwakanongo, former accounting head Stephen Ogago Osiro, former acting chief finance officer Luke Mugo and former acting head of Treasury Maurice Ochieng Okere.
Others are Mr John Githua and Ms Grace Njeri of Lodwar Wholesalers Ltd and Ngurumani Traders Ltd.
They are accused of conspiring to commit fraud, which led to the loss of Sh213,327,300 at the county government between January 16, 2014 and January 25, 2016.
AUTHORISING PAYMENT
They allegedly conspired to commit corruption by authorising payment to various companies, for services not rendered.
Dr Kidero is said to have received a total of Sh24 million from Lodwar Wholesalers Ltd, on diverse dates.
The pre-trial of the case will be held on September 6.
Meanwhile, the court heard that Ms Grace Wakhungu, who is charged with fraud together with Sirisia MP John Waluke, is yet to be arrested.
Mr Waluke denied the charges but Ms Wakhungu is yet to be arraigned in court. They are accused defrauding the National Cereals and Produce Board. The case will be mentioned on September 25.