Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji responded to a report alleging that Sirisia MP John Waluke had been released from jail by the High Court on Wednesday, July 22.
Haji while speaking with Kenyans.co.ke refuted the report, reiterating that Waluke was still in detention pending a bail hearing in August 2020.
"He (Waluke) is still in prison and has not been released. His bail hearing is set for August 7," Haji stated.
The report by a local media outlet detailed that Waluke was released on bond while his co-accused, Grace Wakhungu's plea to be handed a similar verdict was declined.
The two were found guilty of stealing Ksh 300 million taxpayers money through a maize scandal. Waluke was jailed for 67 years and ordered to pay a fine of Ksh727 million while Wakhungu was sentenced to 69 years and directed to pay a Ksh 707 million fine.
The two filed an appeal at the High Court to have the ruling quashed.
On Wednesday, July 22, the High Court dismissed the appeal presented by Grace Wakhungu's lawyer, Senior Counsel Paul Muite, to have her released on medical grounds.
Muite argued that Wakhungu's physical and mental health was at risk as she was ailing and may also contract Covid-19 in prison, an arguement State Prosecutor Alexander Muteti differed with. Muteti stated that prisons were well equipped to fight the spread of Covid-19.
Justice John Onyiengo declined to release Wakhungu, ruling that the bail hearing would be heard on August 7.
In an interview in July, DPP Haji warned that he would launch an investigation into anyone who offers to pay Waluke's and co-accused Grace Wakhungu's Ksh 1 billion fine to secure their release.
"If Waluke and co-accused seek to pay the fine, we will also question where that money is coming from. We can't allow people to bring proceeds of crime to help another criminal," Haji stated.
