Former CS Balala, others acquitted of corruption charges by Malindi court

In a letter dated July 31, 2024, the ODPP directed the discontinuation of the proceedings, citing incomplete investigations and lack of full disclosure.
Former Tourism CS Najib Balala and 16 others have been acquitted of corruption charges by a Malindi court.
This decision followed an application by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to have the accused persons discharged.
More To Read
- EACC submits 89 graft cases involving top officials to ODPP for prosecution
- 'Muthaiga 3' activists set free after High Court rejects case extension request
- Calls grow for disbandment of Ruto's multi-agency team on corruption over legal gaps
- EACC summons Garissa Governor Nathif Jama over alleged embezzlement of funds, irregular hiring
- Court suspends Ruto’s anti-corruption taskforce pending hearing of case
- Five ex-officials face civil suit over irregular CHAN tender payments
In a letter dated July 31, 2024, the ODPP directed the discontinuation of the proceedings, citing incomplete investigations and lack of full disclosure. The ODPP argued that the time required to finalise the investigations was uncertain.
Delivering the ruling, Malindi Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki allowed the application by the ODPP to withdraw the case. The Magistrate ordered the accused persons to be discharged under section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
"Any cash bail deposited in court is to be released to the depositors, and any security documents deposited in court are to be released back to the sureties, who are hereby relieved of their obligations," ordered the Magistrate.
He reiterated that the withdrawal of the charges, as sought by the ODPP, cannot be considered an abuse of court process.
The Magistrate noted that while the withdrawal amounts to a discharge, any decision by the ODPP to institute subsequent proceedings against the accused persons on the same facts could be interpreted as an abuse of the court process for the reasons stated above.
The individuals were apprehended last year in connection to the payment of Sh3.3 billion meant for the construction of Kenya Utalii College in Kilifi.
Top Stories Today
- MP Yusuf Hassan pledges to protect public land as intruders break into Maina Wanjigi school
- EACC submits 89 graft cases involving top officials to ODPP for prosecution
- CAF rolls out mobile phone translation system for journalists covering CHAN 2024
- Supreme Court rules Chief Registrar has no powers to discipline, fire judges or magistrates
- SHA denies wiring Sh20 million to ghost hospital in Homa Bay, confirms payment to Nyandiwa Level 4
- Maraga urges IEBC to resume voter registration, warns delays disenfranchising youth