Director of Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) Press Service Salim Swaleh and five others accused of attempting to defraud two foreigners of Sh 5.5 million meant for constructing two Kenyan stadia for the upcoming 2027 AFCON games have been released on Sh 400,000 pending probe.
In the ruling rendered by Milimani Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi freed the six suspects on bail on condition that they should be reporting to the Investigating Officer once a week and to deposit their travel documents.
The magistrate also warned Saleh, Otieno Japolo Michael, Terry Kemunto Sese, Daniel Omondi Gogo, John Musundi Wabomba and William Mokoha who have been custody since Saturday from interfering with witnesses in the case either directly or indirectly via their agents.
While granting the suspect bail, Ekhubi noted that the DCI and the DPP did not give compelling reasons to warrant him detain them for another 14 days.
“There are no compelling reasons and the investigations can be done when they are out. This application lacks merit,” state
No charges have preferred against the suspects whom the prosecution are investigating offences of abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud.
The suspects were arrested following allegations that they fraudulently induced foreign nationals from Dubai and South Africa to secure a tender for constructing two stadiums for the AFCON 2027 games. It is alleged that the complainants were to be defrauded of over Sh 5 million as a registration fee.
According to the prosecution, the complainants were led to believe they would meet government officials from the Ministries of Sports, Interior, and Youth Affairs, as well as senators from the Budget and Sports committees, to facilitate the tendering process.
Upon entering the Prime CS office, Swaleh reportedly facilitated a meeting where one of the suspects posed as the chairman of the Government Delivery Unit, promising to expedite the tender process for the foreigners.
Investigations are ongoing, with plans to gather statements and verify company registration details from relevant authorities in the UAE. The prosecution argues that the suspects pose a flight risk and may interfere with the complex investigation, particularly because it involves foreign entities.
