However, the court placed former Head of the Nairobi County Treasury (Accounting), Stephen Ogago Osiro, on his defence for allegedly receiving a benefit of KSh 7 million. Dr Wakumile found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Osiro, warranting him to be put on his defence
By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been cleared in a corruption case involving KSh 213 million. Also discharged by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court were former County Secretary Lilian Wanjiru, former Chief Finance Officer Jimmy Mutuku Kiamba, former County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Gregory Mwakanongo, former Acting Chief Officer (Finance) Luke Mugo Gatimu, and former Acting Head of County Treasury Maurice Ochieng Okere.
They were acquitted under Section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code after Chief Magistrate Dr Victor Wakumile ruled that they had no case to answer on charges of conspiracy to commit corruption, dealing with suspected property, and abuse of office.
However, the court placed former Head of the Nairobi County Treasury (Accounting), Stephen Ogago Osiro, on his defence for allegedly receiving a benefit of KSh 7 million.
Dr Wakumile found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Osiro, warranting him to be put on his defence.
The court heard that on or about 6th November 2014, while serving as Head of County Treasury, Osiro allegedly received KSh 4 million from Lodwar Wholesalers Limited, knowing or having reason to believe the funds were proceeds of corrupt conduct. He is further accused of receiving KSh 3.5 million from the same company under similar circumstances.
Additionally, the court placed John Githua Njogu and Grace Njeri Githua, together with their companies, Ngurumani Traders Limited and Lodwar Wholesalers Limited, on their defence for offences relating to fraudulent acquisition of public property and unlawful failure to pay taxes.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) welcomed the ruling, terming it a validation of the strength and professionalism of its case and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
The ODPP added that it continues to pursue corruption cases vigorously, underscoring its resolve to uphold transparency and integrity in public service.
In recommending charges against Kidero seven years ago, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had alleged that the former governor received KSh 24 million from Lodwar Wholesalers Limited through corrupt conduct. The funds were allegedly disguised as payments for sugar supplied to City Hall, according to investigators.
Kidero, who served between 2013 and 2017, is also facing another case involving KSh 58 million in questionable payments to private contractors. That case was adjourned last month until March next year.
