This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
On Thursday, Trial Magistrate Martha Mutuku gave the Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, three weeks to supply evidence to lawyers representing billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki in his tax evasion case.
The directive came after State prosecutors indicated unreadiness to proceed with the case, citing the need for additional documents.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda explained that the documents sought are voluminous, including 10 boxes of invoices, and that some statements had already been supplied to the defence team.
However, defence lawyers Cecil Miler, Benard Nzakya, and Kioko Kilukumi argued that it is the prosecution's responsibility to supply their evidence, enabling them to prepare for the trial.
They urged the court to direct the prosecution to supply all documents by September 20, instead of September 26 as initially requested.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Vincent Monda took it upon himself to supply documents by September 16, and the court directed that the prosecution ensures documents are served to the defence before September 20.
The matter will be mentioned on September 26 to confirm compliance on the part of the prosecution.
