The High Court has today, Thursday, July 31, delivered a significant ruling in the long-running Anglo-Leasing scandal, overturning the acquittal of businessmen Deepak Kamani and his brother, Rashmi Kamani, along with three former Permanent Secretaries. The decision means the high-profile suspects must now face trial again over graft allegations involving a staggering Ksh3.5 billion.
Those ordered back to court include former Permanent Secretaries Dave Mwangi, Joseph Magari, and Joseph Onyonka. They stand accused of conspiring to defraud the government through a controversial project for the modernization of police security equipment and accessories.
An image of a court gravel Photo CapitalFM This High Court directive comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully appealed a previous ruling by Milimani Chief Magistrate Felix Kombo. Magistrate Kombo had acquitted all five accused on January 19, 2024, citing insufficient evidence to place them on their defence.
However, High Court Judge Benjamin Musyoki determined that the prosecution had indeed presented enough evidence to warrant a full trial. The court highlighted claims that the former government officials approved the project despite no money being set aside for it in the national budget. "I hereby set aside the acquittal by the trial magistrate of January 19, 2024, and order the accused persons to be put off their defence on counts 2,3,4,6,7," Justice Musyoki ordered.
