Rashmi Chamanlal Kamani and Deepak Kumar Kamani have petitioned the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn a High Court decision that placed them on their defence after prosecutors established a prima facie case against them.

The duo wants the appellate court to conduct what they describe as an independent and comprehensive review of the lower court’s ruling.

However, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has firmly resisted the application, arguing that the trial must proceed without interruption.

Through Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, the prosecution has maintained that allowing such a review would undermine the integrity of the ongoing trial.

“There are sufficient procedural and evidential safeguards available to the applicants should they proceed to mount their defence, including invoking their right to remain silent if they believe they would otherwise be required to fill gaps in the prosecution’s case,” Yamina submitted to the court.

The DPP’s office contends that such a review by the appellate court would prejudice the trial court’s ability to make independent findings.

Yamina emphasized that the High Court should not be faulted for not providing full reasoning at this stage, as doing so would equally compromise the trial court’s capacity to independently evaluate the evidence.

Yamina further argued that the applicants had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would justify halting the proceedings, and urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss the application and allow the trial to run its full course.

The current legal battle stems from a January 19, 2024 ruling by a trial magistrate who had acquitted all accused persons, finding that prosecutors had not established a prima facie case.

The DPP challenged this decision, and Justice Benjamin Musyoki of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division subsequently set aside the acquittal, determining that the evidence did warrant placing the accused on their defence.

Justice Musyoki directed that the matter be mentioned before the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2025, with all accused persons required to appear in person.

The case involves a roster of former high-ranking government officials and businessmen accused of orchestrating one of Kenya’s most notorious corruption scandals.

Among the accused are former Finance Minister David Mwiraria (now deceased), Dave Munya Mwangi (former Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President), Joseph Mbui Magari (former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance), and David Lumumba Onyonka.

The Kamani family members Rashmi Chamanlal Kamani, Deepak Kumar Kamani, and their late father Chamanlal Vrajlal Kamani, also face serious allegations.

At the heart of the case is an allegation that the accused conspired to defraud the Government of Kenya of 40 million Euros through a purported Supplier’s Credit Agreement for the modernization of police security equipment and accessories, dated December 17, 2003.

The offences allegedly occurred between October 30, 2003, and April 14, 2004, in Nairobi.

The three Kamani family members face an additional charge of fraudulent acquisition of public property.

According to court records, on or about April 14, 2004, they allegedly received 1.2 million Euros from the Ministry of Finance under false pretenses, claiming to finance the police modernization project through offshore accounts in Switzerland held under Apex Finance Corporation Ltd. and Apex Finance International Corporation Ltd.

The late Mwiraria, along with Mwangi, Magari, and Onyonka, face distinct charges including engaging in a project without prior planning, willfully failing to follow procurement laws, and abuse of office.

All accused persons entered not guilty pleas when initially arraigned.

The prosecution called 37 witnesses during the trial proceedings.

However, in January, the trial court determined that the evidence presented was insufficient and acquitted all the accused under Section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Dissatisfied with this outcome, the DPP filed an appeal on January 29, 2024.

Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions George Mong’are argued that the trial magistrate had erred by failing to properly assess the evidence, which he maintained established a case warranting the accused to be placed on their defence.

The Anglo Leasing scandal, which dates back more than two decades, remains one of the most significant corruption cases in Kenya’s history, involving allegations of fraudulent contracts worth hundreds of millions of euros for security-related projects that were either never delivered or grossly overpriced.

The post Anglo Leasing: Kamani Brothers Clash with DPP Over Attempt to Stall Graft Proceedings appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The governor appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives following mounting concerns about questionable tender awards and procurement processes within the county government.

The probe centers on several major contracts awarded between 2022 and 2024, including road construction projects, medical equipment supplies, and county infrastructure development.

According to documents seen by investigators, the procurement irregularities involve inflated project costs, non-competitive tendering processes, and payments made to suppliers who allegedly failed to deliver goods and services.

Some contracts were reportedly awarded to companies linked to county officials and their associates.

Governor Otuoma, who took office in 2022, has maintained his innocence, stating that his administration has operated within the law and followed all due procurement procedures.

“I have cooperated fully with the investigators and provided all the documentation they requested. We have nothing to hide,” the governor said in a brief statement after recording his statement.

The investigation has also roped in several county officials, including members of the procurement committee, finance officers, and heads of various departments.

At least six county employees have already been questioned, with some asked to provide documents detailing how specific tenders were awarded.

The probe follows complaints from contractors and civil society groups who raised concerns about the transparency of procurement processes in the county.

Auditor General reports had also flagged several procurement irregularities in Busia County over the past two financial years.

EACC spokesman confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that more individuals could be summoned to assist with inquiries.

The commission has emphasized that no one will be spared if found culpable of corruption or economic crimes.

Busia County Assembly members have called for transparency in the investigations and urged all implicated officials to cooperate with authorities.

The assembly’s Public Accounts Committee has also launched its own inquiry into the procurement concerns.

If charges are preferred and convictions secured, those found guilty could face hefty fines, jail terms, and disqualification from holding public office under Kenya’s anti-corruption laws.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to recover any public funds that may have been lost through the alleged irregular procurement processes.

The post Busia Governor Records Statement Over KSh 1.4B Procurement Probe appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Speaking on Monday during a Special Council Meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Koome emphasized the urgent need for public cooperation, coordinated enforcement, and respect for the law to curb road carnage.

“Do not pay any bribe when arrested. There will be heightened monitoring of human rights violations,” Justice Koome said, highlighting that enforcement agencies will closely watch operations to ensure accountability and protect citizens’ rights.

The Chief Justice highlighted that risky road behaviour, particularly speeding, tends to spike during holiday travel.

“We note the risky road behaviour which includes speeding, and we were asking one another if, when going for celebrations during this season, we forget that where we are going, whether it is to celebrate in our rural homes or wherever, those destinations do not move, so that we speed away,” she said.

The warning comes amid a worrying rise in road traffic deaths, from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025, a 5% increase, as authorities anticipate heavier traffic, congestion, and a spike in accidents during the holiday season.

“Risky behaviour such as speeding, fatigue, overlapping, and drunk driving continues to claim lives unnecessarily. Most victims are often innocent pedestrians or motorists,” Koome added.

Koome called for collaboration across the justice system and among road users, stressing that public awareness and coordinated enforcement were critical to saving lives.

“We are asking for collaboration and awareness about our own safety when we set out for the festivities. For seamless coordination, we need to work together—all of us in the justice system,” she said.

The NCAJ, which brings together the National Police Service, ODPP, Judiciary, NTSA, Kenya Prisons Service, EACC, LSK, and other agencies, has outlined a comprehensive multi-agency plan to enhance road safety.

Central to this initiative is the deployment of mobile traffic courts that will operate on both physical and digital platforms to fast-track cases during the festive period.

“Those charged will quickly get in touch with their lawyers through this system,” Koome noted.

Authorities will also increase roadblocks and inspections for vehicles and motorbikes, particularly along high-risk corridors, to ensure compliance with roadworthiness standards.

Motorists are being warned against overlapping, speeding, and drunk driving, while the public is urged to report violations and emergencies via toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112.

Justice Koome stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility.

“No single agency can address road carnage alone. We must collaborate as the justice system, civil society, and the public to save lives. Enforcement, public awareness, and coordination are critical,” she said.

The Chief Justice outlined that authorities will roll out diverse measures to enhance road safety and prevent traffic-related deaths, noting that many victims are often innocent pedestrians or motorists.

“We must put in place elaborate and diverse measures to enhance road safety and prevent traffic-related deaths. Most of the time, people are innocent, either as pedestrians or drivers and someone else causes the accident,” she said.

A key initiative is the deployment of mobile traffic courts, using both physical and digital platforms to fast-track traffic cases during the festive period.

“We will deploy mobile traffic courts using physical and digital means, with close collaboration. We will share this so that those who are charged can quickly get in touch with their lawyers,” Koome said.

The council also announced that EACC officers will be deployed along major highways to deter corruption, ensuring that no driver is tempted to offer a bribe, and that human rights violations are closely monitored.

Additionally, health agencies will provide standby ambulances for rapid response to accidents.

“The festive season is a time of celebration, but it should not be a time of tragedy on our roads. By following traffic rules, refusing to engage in corruption, and looking out for one another, Kenyans can reduce accidents, save lives, and ensure safer travel,” Koome concluded.

The NCAJ’s communiqué underlines that addressing road safety is a shared responsibility, reaffirming that legal, policy, and administrative reforms, alongside public cooperation, are essential to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries during the festive season and beyond.

The post CJ Koome Urges Kenyans: “Do Not Bribe Officers” as Mobile Traffic Courts Roll Out for Festive Season appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Benjamin Musyoki ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove key elements of the case against Lenolkulal and his co-accused, Hesbon Jack Wachira Ndathi and Bernard Ltarasi Lesurmat.

“This court finds that the appeals herein are merited and are hereby allowed. The convictions and sentences meted against the appellants… are set aside, and consequently the appellants Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, Hesbon Jack Wachira Ndathi, and Bernard Ltarasi Lesurmat are hereby acquitted of the offences they were charged with in the said case,” Justice Musyoki declared.

The court also ordered that any fines previously paid by the three be refunded forthwith.

In addition, it set aside the previous order under Section 64 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) that barred the trio from holding public office for ten years, effectively clearing the way for Lenolkulal to seek public positions.

Lenolkulal had initially been convicted on charges of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property, with the court ruling that he had knowingly acquired a direct private interest in a contract between Oryx Service Station, a company he owned, and the Samburu County Government for the supply of fuel.

Upon conviction, he had been ordered to pay fines totaling Sh85,460,995 or serve a four-year jail term.

Ndathi was accused of acting as a proxy to mask Lenolkulal’s interests, while Lesurmat faced charges of abuse of office.

The trial court had concluded that the three had misappropriated Sh84,695,996.55 from county funds.

However, Justice Musyoki observed that the prosecution’s case was fundamentally flawed.

He noted that the investigating officer had clarified their focus was on potential conflict of interest, not procurement irregularities.

“The trial court in reaching the fine imposed on the appellants relied on the element of benefit to the said appellants. A benefit is an advantage or profit gained from something… The duo cannot be said to have benefited from the entire sum of Sh84,695,996.55, as there were attendant costs and expenses associated with delivery and supply of the fuel. I do not think that this is the kind of benefit contemplated under the Section,” the judge noted.

The Court also questioned the assumption that Lenolkulal and Ndathi shared benefits equally, highlighting that evidence suggested Ndathi was merely a proxy.

Justice Musyoki clarified that for a charge under Section 48 of ACECA to succeed, there must be a quantifiable benefit to the accused or a demonstrable loss to another party.

In this case, the court found that the county had received the fuel and that no procurement irregularities or financial loss had been proven.

Regarding Lesurmat, the court found no evidence of abuse of office or improper benefit.

“The prosecution did not establish any special relationship between Ndathi and Lesurmat… it was not even shown that Lesurmat knew Ndathi at a personal level,” he ruled

The judge also emphasized that Lenolkulal had appropriately disclosed any potential conflict of interest.

“The 1st appellant had sufficiently declared possible conflict of interest, and it was the duty of those responsible for entering the information in the conflict of interest register to make appropriate entries,” Justice Musyoki said.

Last year, the trial court had ruled that Lenolkulal and Ndathi had engaged in conflict of interest and acquired public funds unlawfully.

Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki had stated, “The overwhelming and direct evidence shows that the Governor acted in conflict of interest and acquired direct personal benefit from the supply of fuel. A governor stands prohibited from trading with his county government.”

The post Ex-Samburu Governor Lenolkulal Acquitted by the High Court in Sh84M Graft Case appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Speaking on Sunday, reportedly during a service at Kibos Pentecostal Church in Kisumu County, Maraga said Kenya’s biggest challenge remains corruption and lack of integrity among public officials, warning that he would not tolerate anyone in his government who prioritises self-enrichment over public service.

“I will only work with people who have the same values and beliefs as I do — those who are honest, God-fearing, and ready to serve Kenyans, not themselves,” Maraga said.

“Kenyans are tired. They are fed up with corruption and leadership that only benefits a few.”

Maraga, who served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice between 2016 and 2021, has recently hinted at running for the presidency, positioning himself as a reformist leader who would restore integrity in governance.

He said his vision for Kenya is one rooted in justice, fairness, and accountability, the same principles that guided him during his time at the Judiciary.

“I want Kenyans to trust me,” he said.

“If I get the opportunity to serve as President, I will strengthen institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and ensure those who steal from public coffers face the full force of the law.”

The former CJ expressed concern that corruption cases involving senior officials often collapse or drag for years due to political interference.

He vowed to empower oversight institutions to operate independently, free from influence by powerful individuals.

Maraga also clarified that his political ambitions are not driven by personal gain but by a genuine desire to offer servant leadership.

He said Kenya needs a moral awakening in politics — one that prioritizes service delivery over tribalism, wealth, and power struggles.

“I am not seeking the presidency to enrich myself,” he said.

“I am seeking it to serve. We must change the culture where public office is seen as an opportunity to amass wealth instead of serving the people.”

He said his administration would prioritize key areas such as access to healthcare, education, youth employment, and infrastructural development.

According to Maraga, leadership should focus on measurable results and the improvement of citizens’ lives rather than endless political rhetoric.

“We must bring back honesty in leadership,” he said.

“Every shilling collected from taxpayers must be accounted for. Kenyans deserve to see value for their money.”

The former CJ also underscored the importance of constitutionalism and adherence to the rule of law, saying that no one should be above the law, not even those in the highest offices.

“The Constitution must be respected by everyone. It is the supreme law. My government will ensure the law applies equally to all Kenyans,” he said.

Maraga’s remarks come as he continues to shape his political profile ahead of the 2027 elections.

His message has resonated with Kenyans disillusioned by decades of corruption scandals and poor governance.

“Kenya can be fixed,” he concluded.

“But only if we put honesty, hard work, and justice at the center of leadership.”

The post Maraga: I’ll Only Work With Leaders Committed to Fighting Corruption appeared first on Insider Bits News.

In a replying affidavit filed at the Milimani High Court Constitutional and Human Rights Division, EACC’s Director of Legal Services and Asset Recovery, David Too, confirmed the agency’s support for the presidentially-established Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC), despite its leadership by the Executive Office of the President.

“The EACC is therefore, in principle, in favour of MAT-WAC framework so long as the independence of the Commission is safeguarded,” said Too in the affidavit.

This admission comes in response to a petition filed on August 20, 2025, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the new team, whose establishment was announced via a Presidential Proclamation on August 18, 2025.

The proclamation brought together 11 institutions, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the EACC itself.

The inclusion of the Executive Office of the President as Chair has drawn scrutiny, with petitioners arguing it threatens the autonomy of independent commissions.

But EACC downplayed those concerns, saying: “Independence does not mean acting in isolation from other state organs,” stated Too.

“The Commission is required to collaborate with other state agencies in the exercise of its mandate since the fight against corruption requires all hands on deck.”

Too further defended EACC’s participation in MAT-WAC by citing multiple legal and policy frameworks supporting inter-agency cooperation, including Section 11(3) of the EACC Act, Article 38 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and Supreme Court precedents.

“Collaboration creates synergy while leveraging on the unique strengths of each entity,” he noted.

“This prevents inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and operational failures.”

Despite reaffirming EACC’s status as a constitutionally independent commission under Article 249(2) of the Constitution, the affidavit emphasized that “integration, linkages, partnerships, teamwork” are critical tools in a modern, whole-of-government anti-corruption strategy.

However, legal experts others argue the statement that EACC is “ready to work under” a team chaired by the President’s office could set a dangerous precedent.

“This is more than just collaboration. It borders on surrendering autonomy,” said a constitional lawyer  familiar with the case, who requested anonymity.

In his affidavit, Too emphasized that the anti-graft body’s involvement in MAT-WAC is not a constitutional compromise but a strategic necessity.

“The members of MAT-WAC are institutions with crucial information that could expedite investigation and prosecution of corruption offences and recovery of assets obtained from corrupt activities,” he said.

The petitioners, led by activist Dr. Magare Gikenyi, are seeking a declaration that the presidential proclamation violates the Constitution by compromising the independence of commissions like the EACC.

They claim that the president has ursuped the mandate of constitutional offices including EACC, ODPP and the graft Taskforce is therefore illegal, and unconstitutional.

The post Court Battle Brews as EACC Backs President-Led Graft Team appeared first on Insider Bits News.