This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
On June 22, 2021, a dramatic scene unfolded at a Kenyan court as journalists were barred from covering the testimony of senior military officers in the trial of former CS Rashid Echesa.
The directive to eject the press was issued by senior principal magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot, who cited the sensitivity of the testimony.
“Owing to the sensitivity of the testimony from the senior military officers, members of the press and public are hereby ordered to leave court as long as the crucial evidence is being led,” Cheruiyot directed.
Echesa is accused of orchestrating a Ksh39 billion fake arms scandal, which allegedly involved the office of Deputy President William Ruto.
According to witnesses, Echesa took two white men to Ruto's office before his arrest over defrauding Polish traders in the fake gun scandal.
Security details at Ruto's office confiscated a bag and mobile phones belonging to the white men before they were allowed into the premises.
Echesa was alleged to have convinced the Polish firm, Eco Advanced Technologies LLC, to pay Ksh11,500,000 to a company known as Pizzle Consultancy Limited to show commitment.
