Kidero released on Sh8 million cash bail

Paul Mutunga, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and former Nairobi chief of staff George Wainaina Njogu at the Milimani Law Courts on April 30, 2019. [Edward Kiplimo]

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero was released on a Sh8 million cash bail or Sh20 million bond.

Dr Kidero is accused of conspiring to steal Sh58 million from the county government.

Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti said time had come for Kenya to make corruption expensive. “To rob a poor man of money collected from him as taxes is a greater sin than robbing a rich man," he said.

"Economic crimes are a class apart and need to be dealt with seriously and Parliament needs to look into the anti-corruption laws if we are to win any war against corruption.”

Kidero is charged alongside former Nairobi chief of staff George Wainaina, Philomena Nzuki, Nganga Mungai, Ekaya Alumasi, James Mbugua, Elizabeth Wanjiru and Alice Njeri who were granted similar bail terms.

Other accused persons are former Nairobi Mayor John Ndirangu, Paul Mutunga, Manasseh Karanja, Charity Muringo, Peterson Njiru, Hannah Muthoni and John Ngari.

Mr Ndirangu was released on a Sh5 million cash bail, while the rest were granted cash bail of Sh4 million each. Kidero faced additional charges of unlawful acquisition of public property, dealing with suspect property and money laundering.