Foreign firm in Anglo Leasing scam to be tried in absentia

A foreign company linked to Sh6.5 billion Anglo Leasing scam will be tried in absentia, a court has ruled.

The anti-corruption court ruled that Infotalent, which is registered in Virgin Islands, has been aware of the pending case but has continuously declined to attend the proceedings, forcing a not guilty plea to be entered so that the trial could start.

Last month, British police told the Kenya Government that the company had been traced and its agents served with summons for the pending trial in Kenya.

According to court papers, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission through a police officer from the Royal Virgin Islands traced a registered agent of the company and served the documents on February 8.

Not guilty

“Despite service, Infotalent has declined to appear or send a representative to answer to charges. The court therefore enters plea of not guilty on its behalf,” trial magistrate Felix Kombo said in his brief ruling.

The magistrate said evidence adduced in court demonstrated that Infotalent was incorporated in the UK and was aware of the ongoing court proceedings.

“Infotalent was given court summons in good time but has chosen not to come to court or send a representative. The company has failed to exercise its right to be present in the ongoing proceedings,” the magistrate said.

Kombo said the last summons sent in December 2015 reached the firm and the authorities in Virgin Island agreed to give legal assistance in serving the court papers

Infotalent is charged alongside Deepak Kamani and Rashmi Kamani.

Others facing charges relating to the Anglo Leasing scandal include Kisii Senator Chris Obure, former Postmaster-General Francis Chahonyo, former Permanent Secretaries Sammy Kyungu (Communication), Joseph Magari (Treasury), Dave Mwangi (Internal Security) and David Onyonka.