Three Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) service personnel were arraigned at a Court Martial in Kahawa Garrison on Friday, August 6.
The three are Major Ben Kipkogei Chemjor, Senior Private Douglas Kabura and Senior Private Bernard Ayiera Onchomba were each charged on multiple counts of recruitment-affiliated offences.
The trio pleaded not guilty to all accusations. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2013 and 2021.
Investigations by the military police linked the three to various vices. This played a pivotal role in facilitating the indictment of the accused persons.
Major Chemjor of the School of Infantry (SOI) was charged with obtaining money by false pretence. This offence is contrary to the Penal Code and the Code of Conduct to prejudice of good order and service discipline.
He appeared before Judge Diana Mochache for the offences he allegedly committed during the February 2021 recruitment drive.
Chemgor was accused of allegedly obtaining Ksh200,000 on Tuesday, February 9 from Mr Mohamed Shambaro. In return, he promised to avail a slot for Abdulaziz Barisa in Tana River. This occurred when he was a recruiting officer serving in that jurisdiction.
In a separate accusation, Chemgor allegedly obtained Ksh150,000 from Emmanuel Nguah Mwandege in Malindi, Kilifi county.
In the third charge, the accused requested Ksh170,000 as recruitment inducement from Celestine Achieng Odero in Malindi, Kilifi County.
In his response, Chemjor requested the court to be allowed more time to hire a defence counsel. His request was granted but Mochache directed him to take a plea.
“Even if you had an attorney representation, he/she would not take a plea on your behalf,” guided Judge Mochache.
The accused was given two weeks to hire an advocate so as he can sufficiently reinforce his defence for an upcoming trial.
Senior Private Douglas Kaburu Nyarondia of 77 Artillery Battalion and Bernard Ayiera Onchomba of 7 Kenya Rifles were each charged with various recruitment malpractices.
The duo also denied the charges. Their cases were adjourned to give them sufficient time to prepare their defences before a pre-trial session scheduled for August 19.
