Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti Hears Evans Kidero's Corruption Case

Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti on Thursday was forced to make a change to the handling of cases at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Registry while hearing former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero's case.

In the afternoon session where the county head denied charges, Justice Ogoti directed the registry not to receive charges after 8:30 am.

"This court shall uphold the constitution. It’s now after 3 PM, the time remaining is little. For this court, I direct that from today moving forward no plea shall be registered after 8:30 am," he stated.

[caption caption="Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti at Milimani Law Court on 9/8/2018"][/caption]

During the bail application hearing, Kidero's lawyer Tom Ojienda asked the court to release him stating that it was a constitutional right.

An argument the prosecution opposed noting the charges against the former governor were serious and if he were to be released, witness tampering could be an issue.

“The influence that the first accused person, Evans Kidero, has cannot be ignored, your honor.

“We strongly submit that we have not made the application to oppose the bailout of malice, it is our duty to bring to the attention of this court why we are at another level when it comes to dealing with these kinds of cases," the prosecution divulged.

In their defense, Ojienda described Kidero as a law-abiding citizen who was more than willing to cooperate with the state.

“First accused person, Evans Kidero, was on his way to the EACC when he was arrested, he had intended to present himself. He has spent over 23 hours at the commission; he slept there and has cooperated on every aspect of the investigation in this questioning," the defense lawyer told the court.

On Thursday evening, the court released Kidero and Okere on a personal bond of Ksh5 million with an additional bond of Ksh.3 Million and a cash bail of Ksh.2 Million each.

The two were released on condition that they should not approach any possible witnesses in the case. They have also been ordered to deposit their passports with the court.

[caption caption="Scene from Evans Kidero's case at Milimani Anti-corruption Court on 9/8/2018"][/caption]

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