This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
On July 26, 2019, Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi issued orders halting the trial of eight suspects accused of grabbing over 9,000 acres of Miwani Sugar Company valued at Sh2.3 billion.
The High Court's decision came after Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji filed an appeal challenging a magistrate's decision to acquit four of the eight suspects.
According to the DPP, the magistrate made a mistake in acquitting the accused on grounds that there was no proof the 9,394 acres belonged to Miwani Sugar Company, despite evidence showing the title was registered in the company's name.
State prosecutor Fredrick Ashimosi argued that the four suspects were involved in defrauding public land owned by the cash-strapped miller, and that they transferred part of the land to Crossly Holdings.
Justice Ngugi ruled that the proceedings before the magistrate's court in Kisumu would be suspended until September 24, when she would deliver her decision on the appeal.
