Witnesses clash at Ruto fraud hearing

Conflicting evidence marked the fourth day of hearing of the Sh96 million fraud case against suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto.

A witness from the Ministry of Lands said at least 32 plots excised from Ngong forest were legitimately transferred to Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

Ms Prosina Ndila Mulee, currently the assistant commissioner of lands, said the title deeds issued to KPC were genuine and the right procedure was followed.

But Mr Gideon Gathara from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife said they had petitioned the Attorney-General to revoke the legal notice degazetting the plots.

Mr Gathara said the land was still government property and he was not aware of the allotments.

But Ms Mulee, who was then senior registrar of titles, said the right procedure was followed in issuing the 32 titles. She said the plots were initially registered under various companies.

Among the companies named are Berke Commercial Agencies, Somog Ltd and Celtic Multisystems. Mr Ruto, Mr Joshua Kulei and Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita are charged with fraudulently selling forest land to KPC.

Mr Ruto was charged on behalf of Berke Agencies, Celtic and Somog agencies.

Mr Gathara said Legal Notice No. 79 of 1997 allegedly degazetting 82 hectares of land in Ngong forest was based on a non-existent boundary plan.

The trial is expected to run into next week. Eight witnesses have testified before the court. On Tuesday, the court heard former Environment Minister John Sambu authorised the allocations. Hearing continues.