8 more NYS scandal suspects walk out of Nairobi remand
What you need to know:
- So far, only 16 out of the 47 suspects have been released.
Eight more suspects accused of looting the National Youth Service on Wednesday walked to their temporary freedom after spending a month in remand.
The accused, including ex-Director-General Richard Ndubai, were set free after their bonds and bails were verified.
So far, only 16 out of the 47 suspects have been released.
SUSPECTS
The suspects who were released from remand on Wednesday are businessman Peter Kimani, Michael Ojiambo, who is a former director of administration at Youth Affairs ministry, Rodgers Nzioka, Wellington Lubira - who is a former acting director of finance at NYS, Sammy Mbugua - a former head of accounts at Youth Affairs ministry, Kenneth Mwathi and Peter Muritu.
Naivasha businesswoman Lucy Wambui Ngirita, who has been charged alongside her three children Ann Ngirita, Phyllis Ngirita and Jeremiah Gichini as well as daughter in-law Catherine Wanjiku Mwai, was also in the process of being released on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Ngirita paid Sh1 million cash bail and her niece came forth to stand as her surety.
Last week, a court in Nairobi released the 47 suspects on bond.
Those who secured their release include suspended Youth Affairs PS Lillian Omollo, former NYS acting director-general Sammy Muchuki, Peter Muthomi and Stephen Riungu, both internal auditors at the Treasury, and Don Mwaniki Kariungi, described as an Ifmis buyer.
Others are James Thuita and Yvonne Wanjiku Ngugi, the directors of Firstling Supplies limited, a company alleged to have received fraudulent payments from the NYS and Evans Wafula Kundu, former head of mechanical transport branch at NYS, who is accused of approving payment of Sh72 million to Jeremiah Gichini.
On Friday, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure that bail and sureties the accused persons presented were not proceeds of crime.
In a statement, Mr Haji directed the DCI to confirm the validity and legitimacy of the securities saying concerns have been raised by the Assets Recovery Agency that some of the funds intended to be used as sureties are not only suspect but also subject of the current cases.
