The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a case-to-answer ruling in a corruption case involving the alleged irregular acquisition of cemetery land in Mavoko, Machakos County, valued at Ksh283.2 million.
The ruling was delivered at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court in Anti-Corruption Case No. 19 of 2010, with the court finding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require the accused persons to be placed on their defence.
The case is before Chief Magistrate Dr Victor Wakumile, while the ruling was delivered by Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore.
The accused include Sammy Kirui, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, and 10 others. They face charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of public property, fraudulent disposal of public property and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings.
The case has been prosecuted over the years by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Christine Gakobo and Principal Prosecution Counsel Samita Mang’oli.
The prosecution team currently handling the matter comprises Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Susan Keli, Principal Prosecution Counsel Celestine Oluoch and Principal Prosecution Counsel Kennedy Panyako.
The defence hearing is scheduled to begin on January 25, 2027.
The case-to-answer ruling means the court has found sufficient evidence for the accused persons to present their defence. It does not amount to a finding of guilt, and the accused remain entitled to a fair trial.
