LSK Issue 3Day Ultimatum Demanding Explanation From Noordin Haji Over Dropped Cases
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on Thursday, October 13, demanded an explanation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji over the recently dropped corruption cases.
Addressing the media, in Nairobi, LSK President Eric Theuri questioned the motive behind the withdrawal of cases in quick succession without a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the decisions.
“If the cases are being withdrawn for lack of evidence to sustain the charges, the DPP must take responsibility and explain how the decision to charge was arrived at in the first instance,” stated Theuri.
“We all recall that some of those suspects were arrested dramatically with media press releases as to the reasons for their arrests and arraignment in court. However, the discontinuation of cases has been done silently and without any press release from the DPP,” he added.
According to Theuri, the failure of the DPP to issue an explanation implied that the cases were dropped to facilitate the clearance of some of the suspects nominated to various positions by the government.
“We are left with a very reasonable presumption that the only intention of withdrawal of these cases is to ensure that those who have been nominated in various positions in the public service have the hurdles before them eliminated.”
The statement followed the acquittal of several leaders who had been charged with corruption.
On Wednesday, October 12, the DPP rendered a request to withdraw a case accusing Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Public Service docket Aisha Jumwa of illegally receiving Ksh19 million during her tenure as Malindi member of parliament.
The office of the DPP also moved to drop charges facing former Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal who had been indicted in a Ksh84 million embezzlement case.
In addition, the DPP dropped charges facing two former chiefs of a local state corporation.
Other leaders who have had their cases dropped include Agriculture CS designate Mithika Linturi whose charges of sexual harassment were dropped after the woman who had accused him withdrew.
Jumwa and Linturi are set to appear before the parliamentary committee on appointments for vetting beginning on Tuesday and Friday respectively. The integrity records of the two nominees had been contested owing to the history of court cases against them
