Troubled former National Lands Commission (NLC) chairman Mohamed Swazuri has been slapped with Sh30 Million bond or an alternative Sh12 million cash bail over alleged fraudulent and irregular land compensation payments in Mombasa.
On Tuesday, Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi varied bond terms for the suspect depending on the number of charges levelled against each of them.
Swazuri and 10 other suspects spend the Easter weekend in custody after they were arrested and arraigned in court last week.
The suspects charged alongside Swazuri are former NLC commissioner Emma Njogu, former NLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Aziz Chavangi, Dr Salome Munubi, director of Valuation at NLC, and NLC Secretary Lilian Kaverenge.
Others are Francis Mugo, director of finance and administration, businessmen Samuel Rugongo, Godfrey Muritu, Evahmary Wachera, Micahel Oloo and advocate Catherine Wanjiru.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji had opposed their release on bail.
The DPP had argued that the suspects are likely to interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence if granted bail.
The prosecution also claimed that Swazuri is likely to abscond trial if released on bail.
Swazuri and others had pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged fraudulent land compensation for the construction of Mombasa Southern Bypass and Kipevu New High Terminal link Road in October 2013.
The former NLC boss is alleged to have made irregular payments to Tornado Carriers Ltd for compulsory acquisition of land in Mombasa.
The suspects also pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit economic crime, abuse of office, financial misconduct, money laundering and unlawful acquisition of public property.