- Ten of the remaining suspects in the Kenya Utalii College case involving former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and his then Principal Secretary were on Thursday 28th charged before Malindi Law Courts
- They 10 include 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
- They were presented before Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki where they pleaded not guilty and the defense counsels requested for the reasonable bond for their suspects, which the Prosecution did not, oppose
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more Entertainment and Exclusive stories
Balala and his co-accused are accused of improperly conferring a benefit to baseline Architects Limited Ujenzi consultants, Armitech consulting engineering and Westconsult consulting Engineers by resolving to engage private consultants against a cabinet decision which led to the irregular payment of Sh. 3.368,494,779.63 paid to the said firms
In a significant development, ten remaining suspects in the Kenya Utalii College case, which involves former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and his then Principal Secretary, were formally charged on Thursday before the Malindi Law Courts.
The accused individuals, 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, faced allegations of improperly conferring benefits to private entities.
The charges specifically pointed to their engagement of baseline Architects Limited, Ujenzi consultants, Armitech consulting engineering, and Westconsult consulting Engineers. This engagement, against a cabinet decision, resulted in an irregular payment of Sh. 3.368,494,779.63 to the mentioned firms.
Before Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki, the accused entered pleas of not guilty. The defense counsels successfully requested reasonable bonds for their clients, a move unopposed by the Prosecution.
Magistrate Mwaniki granted bonds as follows:
- Allan Chenane and Joseph Rotich: Ksh.2 million bond with surety or Ksh.600,000 cash bail.
- Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande, and George Muya Njoroge: Kshs. 750,000 bond with surety or Kshs. 300,000 cash bail.
- Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, James Mwangi Wairagu, and Rebman Malala: Kshs. 3,000,000 bond with surety or Kshs. 800,000 cash bail.
- The 8th accused, Florah Ngina Ngonze, was represented by a lawyer citing her hospitalization, while the court issued summons for Nancy Siboe and Joseph Karanja Ndung’u, who did not appear.
The case is scheduled for mention on January 11, 2024.
Those who have already taken a plea are exempted from attending the court on that date. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, shedding light on a complex web of allegations against the accused parties.
ALSO READ: Najib Balala, Former Tourism CS, Granted Ksh.1M Bail in Release Decision
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more Entertainment and Exclusive stories
