Richard Ndubai, Lilian Omollo seek to be released on bond

National Youth Service Director-General Richard Ndubai has moved to the High Court seeking to be freed on bond.

Mr Ndubai, who is facing multiple charges of abuse of office, conspiracy to commit economic crime and failure to comply with regulations relating to protection of public funds, wants to be freed on bond pending the determination of the trial.

Suspended Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Lilian Omollo has also sought to be released on bail.

Ms Omollo, who is admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital private wing, also wants her prosecution suspended pending the hearing and determination of the application.

A report filed in court from Dr Stanley Ngare, a consultant physician, reads: “She is still not stable enough to attend court proceedings and requires to continued care in hospital.”

DENIED CHARGES

So far, 47 people have denied charges linked to the NYS scandal. Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti denied all the accused persons bond, stating the charges they were facing were serious.

But  the prosecution says Mr Ndubai is likely to interfere with witnesses.  Mr Paul Waweru, an investigating officer, said in a sworn statement that most witnesses set to testify in the trial are NYS staff. He said the staff are junior to Mr Ndubai he  is likely to intimidate them.

The officer also said Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has written to Chief Justice David Maraga over the expeditious hearing of the cases.

REMAIN IN REMAND

According to Mr Waweru, the prosecution is ready to prosecute the case on a day-to-day basis and there is a directive from Mr Haji asking prosecutors not to seek adjournment of the cases unless on exceptional circumstances.

The officer said there is a good reason why the suspects should be remain in remand arguing that they have not adduced sufficient evidence to show how the magistrate misdirected himself in exercising his judicial discretion.