Court summons Johnstone Muthama, Bitange Ndemo for theft charges
An artist's impression of Konza Techno City. If we carry these rampant, gutter ways of driving, violent debating, and wheeler-dealing into Konza City and the other mega economic projects we are so keen to see up and running, our bad manners will bring down these developments in months, regardless of the billions of shillings and tonnes of steel that will have gone into building them. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- They are among nine people who were being investigated over the acquisition of land for the construction of the proposed Konza Techno City.
- Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndwiga on Friday ordered them to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on September 5.
Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama and former Information Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo have been ordered to appear in court to answer charges of theft and abuse of office.
They are among nine people, that including directors of Malili Ranch Ltd, a land buying company, who were being investigated over the acquisition of land for the construction of the proposed Konza Techno City.
The others are former Commissioner of Lands Zablon Mabea, Mr Ronald Laboso Musengi, a director of Gateway Logistic, Mr Julius Kilonzo, Mr David Ndolo Ngilai, Mr James Kituku Munguti, Mr Leonard Kyania Kitua and Mr Julius Mbau Nzyuko.
Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndwiga on Friday ordered them to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on September 5.
In the proposed charges, they are accused of stealing more than Sh179 million being the proceeds of the sale of 5,000 acres to the government through the Information ministry.
The property belonged to shareholders of Malili Ranch Ltd. They allegedly stole the money on June 17, 2009.
Dr Ndemo separately faces charges of failing to comply with procurement rules.
The magistrate issued the summons after a successful application by lawyer Paul Muite, who was appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Keriako Tobiko, to investigate the matter and prosecute the suspects.
