The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has addressed the possibility of having the corruption case facing Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong' settled out of court.
During a hearing of a corruption case against the governor and eight other county officials on Tuesday, the office of the DPP indicated that they are not opposed to such an arrangement.
"Your honour, we are not opposed to a plea bargain but no one has raised the issue to us," an official from the office of the DPP told Chief magistrate Douglas Ogoti.
[caption caption="Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong' in court"]
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Given the absence of such an application from the accused persons, the state counsel from the office of the DPP noted: "We have supplied documents to the accused, and we are ready to proceed with the trial."
The office of the DPP was responding to the Anti-Corruption Court’s query on the case facing the Busia county boss.
The Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG) Josphat Nanok issued a joint statement alleging that government operations in Busia County have come to a standstill following Ojamoong's arrest.
"The arrest of Governor Ojaamong means that the County is shut down and there is no business going on," Nanok had indicated protesting the arrest.
Flanked by a host of fellow Governors, Nanok indicated that CoG stands with Ojaamong and accused the National Government of trying to "divert attention from their rot by arresting governors".
In a statement likely alluding the preemptive strategy by the CoG in calling the presser, Nanok noted: "We are aware that there are Counties who will find themselves in similar situations and they are about to experience the same shutdown."
[caption caption="Members of the Council of Governors in a past event"]
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The CoG has in the past asked for immunity from prosecution during their tenure in office drawing heavy criticism from several quarters including the National Assembly and the Senate.
