In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate, Eunice Kagure Nyutu, has issued urgent warrants of arrest for four senior government officials who are key witnesses in the Ksh63 billion Arror and Kimwaer dam case.
These officials are central to the prosecution’s case against former Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS), Henry Rotich.
The court has directed the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to apprehend and present them in court within an hour.
The individuals facing arrest are Cecilia Kaluka, an official at the office of the Auditor General, Boniface Mamboleo, an employee of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and public servants Mutungu Mwai Wanjohi and Samuel Kimutai Kosgey.
Magistrate Nyutu made her decisive ruling, stating, “The four witnesses are public servants and can be arrested and brought to court. I, therefore, give the DCI one hour to arrest and produce the four in court by 11:46 a.m.”
The order for the immediate arrest of these witnesses came after the court rejected a plea from the state prosecutor, Mr. Obiri.
He had requested an adjournment, citing the absence of formal instructions from his superior, who was yet to be sworn into office.
Magistrate Nyutu firmly asserted, “This court has a duty to ensure matters are heard expeditiously. I find the reasons given by the prosecution, seeking to postpone the hearing dates for this week pending the post-vetting of the incoming DPP, is not justifiable.”
She continued, “This court cannot be held hostage through unverifiable instructions given to the prosecutor by word of mouth. Therefore, the application for adjournment is denied, and furthermore, this court issues warrants of arrest for the said witnesses.”
This latest development underscores the gravity of the Ksh63 billion Arror and Kimwaer dam case and signals the court’s commitment to expeditiously address allegations of corruption involving high-ranking government officials.
The arrests of these key witnesses are expected to shed further light on the case and bring it one step closer to resolution.
