National Lands Commission (NLC) Chairman Muhammad Swazuri was on Monday released on Kshs.3.5 Million cash bail or a Kshs.6 Million surety bond.
Issuing the conditions, Anti-Corruption Court chief magistrate Lawrence Mugambi directed Swazuri to deposit his passport.
"The DPP objected the bail based on security issues but I did not find evidence to compel the court to deny the accused bail. The concerns can be taken care of ... the accused persons are entitled to bail," the Magistrate noted.
In addition, Justice Mugambi stated that Swazuri could only go to his offices with a police escort after prior arrangements made with the management.
[caption caption="Court proceedings on 13/8/2018"]
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The NLC chairman was also directed not to have contact with any witnesses in the case.
Swazuri and 16 of his co-accused were arraigned in court on charges of purchase of dubious land for the Standard Gauge Railway to the tune of Kshs. 221,375,000.
They are also charged with abuse of office, breach of trust, unlawful acquisition of public property, unlawful disposal of public property and neglect of official duty.
During the hearing on Monday, the prosecution opposed the release of the accused persons on bail citing: the likelihood of witness interference, charges being serious and that accused persons could abscond court if released.
Upon denying the charges leveled against them, Lawyer Tom Ojienda asked the court to release all the accused persons on reasonable terms.
The court further stated that the suspects would spend the night at Lang’ata Prison (for women) and Industrial Area Prison (for men) if not able to meet the bail terms by close of business on Monday.
Pre-trail was set for August 29, 2018.
[caption caption="Swazuri and co-accused in court on 13/8/2018"]
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