This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
On 25 June, Sirisia MP John Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu were convicted of economic crimes in a case that had been ongoing for some time.
According to new details, Deputy President William Ruto has partnered with a 33-year-old politician Moses Nandalwe to pay Waluke's fine, which amounts to Ksh727 million, in order to secure his freedom.
Waluke was ordered to pay the fine or serve a 67-year jail term after being found guilty of defrauding the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) of Ksh300 million through a maize scandal.
ODM party Communications Director Dennis Onyango has called upon Deputy President Ruto to come to the rescue of his embattled ally, stating that Ruto has enough troubles and needs to focus on his own issues rather than trying to help others who have gotten themselves into trouble.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has declared that he will launch an investigation into anyone who offers to pay Waluke and his co-accused's court fines, stating that they cannot allow people to bring proceeds of crime to help another criminal.
It is worth noting that Waluke's wife had also approached Moses Nandalwe seeking help, but the amount of money he would give to secure Waluke's release was not disclosed.
