Edible oil scandal: Court allows DPP to withdraw case against ex-KNTC official
According to the DPP, a review of the evidence revealed that the case against Amos Juma Sikuku could not be sustained.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured court approval to withdraw corruption charges against a former senior manager of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) in the edible oil and rice import scandal.
The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court allowed the DPP to drop charges against Amos Juma Sikuku, the corporation's former Supply Chain and Logistics Manager, citing insufficient evidence.
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His co-accused, former KNTC Managing Director Pamela Nduku Mutua, remains in court to answer charges of violating procurement laws.
According to the DPP, a review of the evidence revealed that the case against Sikuku could not be sustained.
Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki noted that discontinuing the proceedings was in line with public interest and necessary to prevent abuse of the court process.
Sikuku and Mutua were charged on July 30, 2024, following investigations into irregularities in KNTC's 2022 procurement of rice.
While Mutua faces five counts of willful failure to comply with procurement laws, Sikuku had faced a single count of abuse of office.
So far, six of the prosecution's 33 listed witnesses have testified. The court permitted the DPP to amend the charges and allowed Mutua to recall witnesses for further cross-examination.
Prosecution Counsel explained that Sikuku was charged merely for issuing a professional opinion, which was not binding on KNTC's accounting officer, who had the final responsibility to ensure compliance with procurement laws.
Mutua has denied the charges and remains out on bond.
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