Sirisia MP John Waluke has been released by the Anti-Corruption court at Kilimani, Nairobi, on a Kshs 2 million cash bail, Kshs 5 million personal bond, Kshs 3 million bond and surety of the same amount after denying a Kshs 297 fraud charge in a National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) maize contract case. Furthermore, along with Grace Sarapay Wakhungu, they were accused of uttering false document and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
While giving the ruling, chief magistrate Douglas Ogoti issued a warrant of arrest for the absent Grace Wakhungu, and ordered Waluke to submit his passport to the court and report to the OCS at the EACC police station every fortnight. He said the Sirisia MP shouldn’t approach any witness, and violation of that order will lead to the cancellation of bond terms.
He noted the concerns earlier raised by the prosecution, including the fact that being an MP, Waluke has the clout and influence to reach the witnesses in the case, and therefore shouldn’t be granted bail. However, Ogoti said bail may only be denied in specific circumstances, “Bail may only be denied if the court isn’t in a position to prevent the interference with witnesses,” he said.