Ten more suspects charged in Kenya Utalii College case involving former CS Balala
In a significant development, ten remaining suspects linked to the Kenya Utalii College case, involving former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and his then Principal Secretary, were charged before the Malindi Law Courts on Thursday.
In a significant development, ten remaining suspects linked to the Kenya Utalii College case, involving former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and his then Principal Secretary, were charged before the Malindi Law Courts on Thursday.
The suspects, including Allan Chenane, Joseph Rotich Cherutoi, Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande, George Muya Njoroge, Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, Rebman Malala, and James Mwangi Wairagu, appeared before Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki and pleaded not guilty.
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The charges stem from accusations that Balala and his co-accused improperly conferred benefits to various consulting firms by engaging private consultants against a cabinet decision. This allegedly led to an irregular payment of Sh. 3.368 billion to the said firms.
The defense counsels requested reasonable bonds for their clients, a request not opposed by the prosecution. Magistrate Mwaniki granted bonds as follows:
- Allan Chenane and Joseph Rotich: Sh2 million bond with a surety or a cash bail of Sh 600,000.
- Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande, and George Muya Njoroge: Sh750,000 bond with surety or a cash bail of Sh300,000.
- Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, James Mwangi Wairagu, and Rebman Malala: Sh3 million bond with surety or a cash bail of Sh800,000.
The eighth accused, Florah Ngina Ngonze, was represented by a lawyer who informed the court of her hospital admission, exempting her from attending. The court issued summons for Nancy Siboe and Joseph Karanja Ndung’u, who did not appear.
The case is set to be mentioned on January 11, 2024, with the suspects who have already pleaded exempted from attending on that date. The legal proceedings continue to unfold as the case progresses.
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