Former NSSF boss seeks court protection in Sh8 million Karen land scandal

Jos Konzolo

Former National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Trustee Josephat Konzolo has moved to the High Court seeking to halt criminal proceedings pending before the anti-corruption court.

Konzolo, suspended Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and several senior officials from the Ministry of Lands were arraigned in court over corruption and abuse office claims in relation to the Sh8 billion Karen land.

Konzolo (pictured) through his company, Telesource.com Ltd, said there are two pending matters before the High Court touching on the anti-corruption case relating to the dispute on ownership of the Karen land.

He told Justice Lucy Gacheru through his lawyer Stephen Gikera that since the Environmental and Land division is yet to make a decision on who owns the suit land, the matter of the criminal case that is set for hearing on August 12 in an at anti-corruption court should be stayed pending the High Court’s decision.

Mr Gikera further submitted that there is a pending petition by Ngilu, which has been referred to Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to appoint a bench to determine the constitutionality and legality of Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission, which made recommendation for his prosecution.

He said the two High Court divisions are likely to come up with conflicting decisions, saying already, some officers from the Ministry of Lands who have been charged have given evidence in the civil suit filed by Muchanga Investment, who claim ownership of the suit land.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions has taken a position diametrically opposed to the stand taken by the Attorney General in the civil proceedings by recommending the prosecution of Konzolo and his company,” Gikera submitted.

The court will deliver its ruling today.