Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa together with three accomplices implicated in the Kshs 39.5 billion fraudulent arms deal have been released on a Kshs 1 million cash bail each, a Kshs 3 million bond and a surety of the same amount. The former CS and other co-accused denied the charges which included obtaining money by false pretense, conspiracy to commit a felony.
The prosecution had objected Echesa’s request to be granted a bail on grounds he will interfere with witnesses, but Echesa’s lawyers objected the request. The four have been accused of falsely trying to obtain Kshs 39,544,200,000 from foreign investors in the promise of awarding a tender to supply military equipment. The deal has dragged in the office of the Deputy President and the Ministry of Defence, given that some of the talks were held at the DP’s office.
On Saturday, investigating officers searched Echesa’s house and made away with 2 firearms and a car Echesa through his lawyers requested the court to allow the officers to return the car and the firearms, however, the Court directed him to make a formal request.
Written by Sharon Atsianji
