Former Tourism CS Najib Balala released on Sh1 million cash bail

In a legal showdown at the Malindi Law Courts, the former Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, along with his co-accused, Ms. Gwiyo, faced charges related to alleged corruption. The prosecution contends that Balala and Gwiyo engaged private consultants against a Cabinet decision, leading to the irregular payment of a staggering Sh3.3 billion.

Appearing before Malindi Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki, both Balala and Gwiyo vehemently denied the charges leveled against them. The courtroom drama unfolded as they were released on a Sh1 million cash bail or a Sh5 million bond, each with a surety of a similar amount.

The heart of the allegations revolves around the accusation that Balala and Gwiyo, abusing their offices, corruptly benefited several firms, including Baseline Architects Ltd, Ujenzi Consultants, Armitech Consulting Engineering, and West Consult Consultant Engineers. The alleged irregularity stems from the decision to engage these private consultants against a cabinet directive, resulting in the questionable payment of Sh3.3 billion for consultancy services related to the design, documentation, supervision, and contract management of the proposed Ronald Ngala Utalii College.

The legal battle also ensnared another individual, Joseph Odero, trading as Westconsult Engineers. Odero, too, faced charges, specifically accused of illegally obtaining Sh292.4 million from the Tourism Fund, formerly known as the Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees.

Despite the accusations, the prosecution did not oppose the accused's application for release on bail.