Eight charged over Malili ranch scandal
From left: Dr Bitange Ndemo, Mr Johnson Muthama, Mr Julius Nzyuko, Mr Leonard Kitua, Mr James Munguti, Mr David Ngilai and Mr Julius Maweu in court on February 22, 2016 when they were charged afresh with stealing Sh179 million during the purchase of Malili Ranch between June 17, 2009 and January 11, 2010. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Dr Ndemo was separately charged with abuse of office and two counts of failing to comply with procurement laws.
Former Commissioner of Lands Zablon Agwata Mabea, also charged, was not in court.
The court will hear and determine arguments on the matter on April 1.
Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama and former Information PS Bitange Ndemo were among eight people charged afresh Monday over the scandal involving purchase of the 5,000-acre Malili ranch.
Dr Ndemo was separately charged with abuse of office and two counts of failing to comply with procurement laws.
Others were directors of Malili Mr Julius Kilonzo Maweu and Mr Julius Mbau Nzyuko.
Also charged were Mr James Kituku Munguti, Mr Leonard Kyania Katua and Mr David Ndolo Ngilai.
Former Commissioner of Lands Zablon Agwata Mabea, also charged, was not in court.
They were charged with stealing Sh179,134,070 and conspiring to commit a felony of theft of the said amount.
State lawyer Dancun Ondimu for the prosecution said since the two matters touched on the same issue, the cases should be combined, but the defence, with 15 lawyers, opposed the proposal to combine the cases.
“We cannot proceed with the charges as they stand, they are technically wrong. They are bad and we are seeing them for the first time. The accused will not stand fair trial if we proceed,” said Mr Fred Ojiambo.
Dr John Khaminwa said one cannot answer to charges of stealing and conspiring to commit a felony over the same amount at the same time.
The court will hear and determine arguments on the matter on April 1.
