LEFT: DPP Noordin Haji RIGHT: Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu The Nation Media Group has been busted for spreading misinformation concerning the Sh588m graft case against former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji dismissed media reports dispensed by NMG that the High Court had dropped the charges. Haji's office clarified that his office has only granted an order of prohibition in respect of five of his co-accused, and affirmed that it had already made plans to appeal the decision as they were displeased with it. "Court has only granted order of prohibition in respect of five of his co-accused persons who are members of the tender evaluation committee," the statement read. On September 20, court adjourned the case following requests made by the accused.
The office of the prosecutor said it has lined up 27 witnesses in the case, which will be heard on October 14.
The case relates to the alleged irregular issuance of tenders amounting to Sh588,198,328 for the contraction of bituminous roads in Thika, Limuru, Gatundu North, Juja and Ruiru sub-counties during the 2017/18 financial year.
In particular, investigators from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detail that the tenders were awarded to a company where the governor's proxies sit.
Waititu was charged alongside 12 other people for various corruption and criminal offences.
He has maintained his innocence throughout the investigations.