High Court blocks arrest of Anglo-Leasing suspects

Kenya: Efforts by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to have two brothers and their father arrested have been thwarted by the High Court.

Businessmen Deepak Kamani, his brother Rashmi Kamani and their father Chamanlal Kamani got a temporary reprieve blocking their arrest over Anglo Leasing scandal even as seven other accused persons took plea before the magistrate's court.

High Court Judge Luka Kimaru gave the trio temporary relief when he directed that the suspects should not be arrested but should appear before EACC Thursday.

The trio moved to court through lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, seeking an anticipatory bail, after EACC sought to have them arrested and prosecuted over the scandal.

The Kamani's under a certificate of urgency, want the court to stop their arrest, arguing that they have already contested the matter before in court and also one of the suspects was too old to be arrested and detained behind bars.

"My clients cannot withstand the drama that is why they are seeking for bond but they are ready to present themselves in court. They will avail themselves in court anytime and day that court decides," said Ahmednasir.

Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko (DPP), however, argued that there was no drama about the Anglo Leasing and was not opposed to the bail application if the accused are ready to appear in court.
The high court had earlier declined to issue the orders sought by the trio until the application by the DPP was served.