Court gives DPP last chance in ex-governor Sonko's graft case

The Anti-Corruption Court has given the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) a last chance to avail witnesses in the Sh357 million graft case against former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and 16 others.

Chief Magistrate Eunice Nyutu said that the DPP's office had frustrated the case and this would be the last time it was getting adjourned.

According to Nyutu, the DPP should avail witnesses for the case to proceed, saying that the adjournments sought by the office had delayed the delivery of justice.

Sonko's defence team led by Assa Nyakundi sought termination of the case citing frustrations by the prosecutors.

Nyakundi said that the case has had only four witnesses who have testified yet the prosecution indicated that they had 37 witnesses lined up.

The magistrate declined the application and instead criticized the DPP for the slow pace of the case. She said the office was responsible for the delay despite the much-publicized arrests and arraignment in court.

Nyakundi argued that his client and the co-accused are innocent.

The new application by the defence team came after another made a fortnight ago, but declined by Nyutu.

The DPP has since applied to drop the case against Hardy Enterprises Limited, Toddy Civil Engineering Limited, Antony Mwaura and Rose Njeri.

Nyutu will rule on Thursday, November 23, whether to allow the application by the DPP to drop charges.

Sonko and his co-accused face 17 charges ranging from economic crimes, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of property, and irregular payments which saw Nairobi County lose Sh357 million during his reign as Nairobi County boss.

They have all denied the charges and are out on a Sh15 million cash bail.