The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji, has urged a magistrate to dismiss former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero's application challenging graft charges, labeling the move as 'malicious' and 'in bad faith.'
The DPP, through prosecutor Joseph Riungu, questioned why Kidero delayed raising the issue for four months after its last court appearance. Riungu defended the 35 distinct charges against Kidero and 11 other accused, including former officials and business entities, stating each count detailed specific acts and omissions.
Kidero faces allegations of conspiracy to commit fraud, abuse of office, and unlawful tax evasion, with the case linked to a Sh213 million loss at the county government between 2014 and 2016. The charges include accusations of fraudulent payments to companies and Kidero allegedly receiving Sh24 million from Lodwar Wholesalers in 2014.
Riungu argued that separating Kidero's trial would prejudice the prosecution, as witnesses and documents would overlap with other defendants. Kidero's legal team, led by Tom Ojienda, claimed the charges were 'oppressive' and risked double jeopardy, citing only four witnesses for his case versus 25 for others.
Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti will hear the application on Thursday. The accused include former County Secretary Lilian Ndegwa, ex-Finance Officer Jimmy Mutuku Kiamba, and officials from Lodwar Wholesalers and Ngurumani Traders.
