The National Youth Service (NYS) I scandal has escalated as 11 individuals, including Josephine Kabura and Benson Gethi, now face 16 money laundering charges following amendments by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The revised charges include updated amounts and dates for alleged offenses.
Prosecutors allege the group stole Sh791,385,000 from NYS, using funds to purchase luxury vehicles, real estate, and a restaurant. Key assets include a Sh23.4 million Range Rover, vehicles like a Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Prado, and properties in areas such as Roselyn Estate and Muthaiga North.
Specific allegations include a March 31, 2015, plan by Kabura and Samuel Wachenje to deposit Sh40 million into a Family Bank account to obscure its origin. Another charge involves transferring Sh90 million between December 2014 and May 2015 into a K-Rep Bank account linked to a law firm, involving Patrick Onyango Ogolla and John Kago.
The accused, including lawyers and business figures, have all pleaded not guilty. The case, involving 35 witnesses, will proceed on September 10. Prosecutors claim the defendants knowingly handled proceeds of crime.
