In the latest development in the Kshs468 Million National Youth Service (NYS) case, suspects have been given guidelines on how they can return the stolen money.
On Tuesday, Anti-Corruption Court chief magistrate Douglas Ogoti gave the suspects an option of returning the loot in exchange for a lighter sentence.
He encouraged those on trial to approach the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji before the commencement of the actual trial slated for October 29.
“Parties are hereby encouraged to enter a plea bargain agreement at any stage before judgment is delivered,” Ogoti told the over 50 suspects.
[caption caption="Anti corruption court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti at Milimani Law court on 18/7/2018"]
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According to the law, suspects are allowed to negotiate with the prosecution anytime before the delivery of the ruling to avoid harsh sentences and prolonging of court cases.
After the completion of the pretrial conference, Justice Ogoti combined 10 files and later put them in three distinct cases.
“I have carefully studied the files and decided to consolidate them in the manner in which the accused persons cut across some files, the investigating officers are the same, subject matter and the law applicable is same,” he explained.
Issuing rules that are to be adhered to during the trial period, the magistrate cautioned the suspects against employing delay tactics adding “unless when it’s a matter of life and death."
A reprieve for the suspects is the lifting of an order where they were required to check in with the DCI once a month.
Suspended NYS Director-General Richard Ndubai, Principal Secretary Lilian Omollo are among those facing charges in the NYS scandal.
[caption caption="NYS Director General Richard Ndubai and Youth Principal Secretary Lilian Mbogo Omollo"]
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Also in the defense is the Ngirita family led by Lucy Wambui Ngirita, her children Ann Wanjiku, Phyllis Njeri, Jeremiah Gichini and his wife Catherine Wanjiku.
