Senator Johnstone Muthama charged over Sh179m theft

NAIROBI: Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama and a former Permanent Secretary have been charged with stealing Sh179 million and abuse of office.

Mr Muthama and former Information Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo were charged alongside six others over the Malili land scandal after the prosecution made an application to consolidate the two cases.

The others are former Commissioner of Lands Zablon Agwata Mabea, two directors of Malili, Julius Kilonzo Maweu and Julius Mbau Nzyuko, and a member of the National Police Service Commission Ronald Leposo Musengi.

Before the prosecution made the application, the defence through lawyer John Khaminwa said the State had not been properly represented.

"The prosecution issue is important because it leads to fair hearing," Mr Khaminwa said.

The defence claimed that prosecutors Duncan Ondimu and Daniel Karuri were not fit to handle the case.

Mr Karuri said there is no High Court order stopping the proceedings, and the cases should be consolidated and the accused plead to the fresh charge sheet.

He added that they are representing the Director of Public Prosecutions and have been instructed to prosecute the case.

"This matter is being delayed by the defence because they keep on raising objections and appeals," he said.