Former Governor Evans Kidero and 14 others, who spent Monday night in police custody awaiting a ruling on their bail application, will know their fate this afternoon.
Kidero, alongside his former chief of staff – George Wainaina, had denied corruption charges, among them conspiracy to defraud the Nairobi County Government of Sh68 million during his tenure as city boss.
Anti-corruption magistrate – Douglas Ogoti, ordered they be detained at Kilimani Police Station pending the bail ruling on Tuesday.
The prosecution alleges that Kidero conspired with his co-accused to acquire millions of shillings as kickbacks from deceased lawyer – Steven Kariuki as part of the proceeds of crime.
“On January 8, 2014 he unlawfully acquired Sh14.4 million from Steven Kariuki while knowing it was public property. You also engaged in money laundering by acquiring a Toyota Lexus valued at Sh14 million while knowing the money was part of proceeds of crime,” read the charges.
Others in court are former Nairobi Mayor John Ndirangu, Paul Mutunga, Manasseh Karanja, Philomena Nzuki, Ng’ang’a Mungai, Charity Muringo, Peterson Njiru, Ekaya Alumasi, James Mbugua, Elizabeth Wanjiru, Alice Njeri, Hannah Muthoni and John Ngari.
State Prosecutors Alexander Muteti and Victor Owiti are pressing for their detention without bail, arguing that the offence was committed against Kenyans who want to see corrupt officials behind bars.
Lawyers led by James Orengo, Professor Tom Ojienda and Nelson Havi; appearing for Kidero, submitted the court the offence was bailable.
