Former PS Ndemo fails to stop his trial in 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:

  • Mr Ndemo was on September 2014 charged with the offences of willful failure to comply with procurement laws, abuse of office, stealing and conspiracy to commit a felony.

  • He was charged alongside Senator Muthama, former lands commissioner Mabea, Malili directors Kilonzo, Nzyuko and National Police Service Commission’s Musengi.

  • Mr Ndemo’s case will be heard on June 21.

Former Information Permanent Secretary on Monday lost his bid to temporarily halt his trial in connection with the Sh179 million loss in the controversial sale of Malili ranch.

Despite claims that his prosecution is ill founded, the High Court said Mr Bitange Ndemo could not stop the ongoing proceedings at the magistrate’s court.

But, Justice Weldon Korir said he would still hear his application challenging the matter.

“Leave granted will not operate as stay as there is no likelihood that the trial will proceed before the application is heard and determined, however, you are at liberty to halt it in case there is a change of circumstances,” Justice Korir said.

Mr Ndemo was on September 2014 charged with the offences of willful failure to comply with procurement laws, abuse of office, stealing and conspiracy to commit a felony.

He was charged alongside Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, former lands commissioner Zablon Agwata Mabea, Malili directors Julius Kilonzo, Julius Nzyuko and National Police Service Commission’s Ronald Musengi.

They all denied the charges and were released on bond.

The said monies was allegedly stolen in 2009.

Mr Ndemo’s case will be heard on June 21.