Kidero writes to CJ Koome for Sh213m case be concluded

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome seeking to have Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti permitted to conclude the hearing of the Sh213 million corruption case facing him and eight others.

Kidero in the letter dated February 23, argues that when Ogoti was initially transferred to Embu, the CJ allowed him to conclude his outstanding matters in Nairobi, including his case. He says now that he has been transferred to Kisumu, the same should apply.

 “It has come to our attention that the trial magistrate has now been transferred to Kisumu. Our client is reasonably apprehensive that the transfer of the trial magistrate is likely to affect and delay his fundamental right to a fair hearing and expeditious conclusion of the trial,” reads the letter.

 “We humbly request the intervention of the office of the chief justice to grant permission and give direction that the trial magistrate Douglas Ogoti do conclude and finalize the trial of this matter...” said the letter.

 The CJ is yet to respond to the letter.

 The matter was mentioned before Magistrate Victor Wakhumile who directed that it be mentioned on April 20 to confirm if the CJ has responded and for further directions.

The former governor and 10 others are accused of conspiring to commit fraud which led to the loss of Sh213,327,300 at the county government between January 16, 2014, and January 25, 2016 for services not rendered.

In September 2021, Ogoti had struck out one of the charges Kidero was facing after finding there were insufficient details of the alleged crime.

Ogoti said the charge, in which Dr Kidero and Nyakach MP Aduma Owour are accused of conspiring to defraud the Nairobi County Government of Sh58 million, lacked clarity thereby violating the law.