Okemo, Gichuru in court over extradition case

An application in which an MP and a former Kenya Power boss have opposed extradition proceedings will be mentioned Tuesday.

Nambale MP Chris Okemo and former KPLC boss Samuel Gichuru filed an application in the High Court claiming that there was no legal basis to extradite them to Jersey Island, UK to face money laundering charges.

The application has stalled the extradition proceedings at the magistrate’s court.

Mr Okemo and Mr Gichuru are seeking a declaration that no fair trial can take place within the peculiar court systems operated by the Island of Jersey.

They say the issue can only be decided in a constitutional petition in the High Court and not any other court.

The two are wanted in the UK after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Chief Justice of the Island of Jersey in April last year, who accuses them of money laundering and corruption.

They are alleged to have benefited from kickbacks from companies active in the energy sector during the Moi regime.

Mr Okemo faces 15 counts of money laundering and misconduct in public office while Mr Gichuru faces 40 counts of money laundering, fraud and misconduct in public office. They have both denied the allegations.

The mention will provide further directions.