Former Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru loses bid to stop gag

Former Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru on Wednesday lost a bid to stop a gag against her on commenting on the Sh1.6 billion National Youth Service scandal.

According to High Court judge Richard Mwongo, issuing the order would be tantamount to handling the matter through the back door since it would not proceed to being heard and determined fully.

“In light of the foregoing, I am disinclined to allow the request herein, which is dismissed with costs. I instead order that the record of appeal be filed within 60 days for this matter to be prosecuted expeditiously,” the judge said.

Ms Waiguru had challenged an order issued by Principal Magistrate David Mburu in February, barring her from speaking of the scandal or causing publication of comments relating to the money laundering case against 11 people.

She had sued Mr Paul Kinuthia, one of the accused in the criminal case.

Mr Kinuthia is the one who ignited the court battle against the former Devolution minister, claiming that she was using the case to gain political mileage.