Sh11 million graft case against former Nzoia sugar MD, seven others adjourned

Former Nzoia Sugar Company Managing Director Godfrey Sifuna Wanyonyi co-accused appeared before the court on Aug 13, 2025. [Bernard Lusigi, Standard]

The hearing of the corruption case involving former Nzoia Sugar Company Managing Director Godfrey Sifuna Wanyonyi and seven other top officials has been adjourned at the Bungoma Anti-Corruption Court.

The matter, which was set to conclude with the testimony of the final two witnesses, EACC detective Abraham Kemboi and former Nzoia MD Saul Wasilwa, failed to proceed after one of the accused, Benson Khwatenge Wafula, failed to appear in court, citing medical reasons.

His advocate told the court that his client was unwell and sought another hearing date.

"My client is very sick, and I have his medical records with me today in court. We were ready to proceed, but due to unavoidable circumstances, we pray for another hearing date," he said.

Senior Principal Magistrate Josephat Gichimu rescheduled the hearing to October 22, 2025.

"The matter is adjourned to October 22, 2025. We had set two days for the hearing, but unfortunately, we cannot proceed today because the accused, who is unwell," said Gichimu.

He said that only two witnesses are left to testify in the matter.

The multi-million-shilling graft case, which dates back to 2018, stems from allegations that senior managers colluded to defraud the company of Sh11 million during Mr Wanyonyi's tenure as MD.

The eight accused are Wanyonyi, Khwatenge (company secretary), John Wanyonyi Wekesa (chief cashier), Kenneth Onyango Omwago (cashier), Benson Sitati Wakhungu (internal auditor), Robert Vincent Juma (auditor), Kenneth Wafula Wanjala alias Mukombozi (administrator), and Juliet Ng'ang'a (clerk).

They face charges of conspiracy to commit an economic crime, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.

The senior managers are alleged to have conspired to siphon funds through irregular payments and fictitious transactions.