Ronald Musengi’s bid to stop fraud charges over Malili ranch sale flops
National Police Service Commission (NPSC) member Ronald Musengi, a brother of the late former Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, at a past event. PHOTO | EMMA NZIOKA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Justice George Odunga ordered Mr Musengi to appear before the anti-corruption court Friday.
- In his application Thursday, Mr Musengi argued that he will suffer embarrassment if he is arraigned.
The High Court on Thursday declined to stop the prosecution of National Police Service Commission (NPSC) member Ronald Musengi over the acquisition of 5,000 acres of land for the construction of the proposed Konza Technology City.
Justice George Odunga ordered Mr Musengi to appear before the anti-corruption court Friday.
Mr Musengi is expected to be charged alongside Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama and former Information Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo.
In the proposed charges, they are accused of stealing more than Sh179 million, the proceeds of the sale of 5,000 acres to the government through the Information ministry.
MATTER OF NATIONAL INTEREST
The property belonged to shareholders of Malili Ranch Ltd and they allegedly stole the money on June 17, 2009.
In his application Thursday, Mr Musengi, who is a brother of the late George Saitoti, the former Internal Security minister, argued that he would suffer embarrassment if he is arraigned.
His lawyer, Charles Koech, argued that the charges would lead to Mr Musengi’s removal from NPSC.
But lawyer Paul Muite — appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions to lead the case — opposed the application, saying the matter is of national interest and public money was used to acquire the land.
He said Mr Musengi, Mr Muthama and Mr Ndemo are expected to take plea Friday.
