Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero is scheduled to take a new plea in a Sh58 million graft case, after a Nairobi court declined to consolidate the case.
In a ruling on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti declined an application seeking to consolidate Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma, and Kidero’s file as the probe into the missing millions continues.
Aduma served as the acting director of legal affairs at the county government of Nairobi during Kidero's tenure.
Aduma, who is accused of authorising the payment of Sh10 million without adhering to proper rules, has insisted he is innocent.
The amount was reportedly paid to Wachira Mburu Mwangi & Company Advocates under unclear circumstances.
Ogoti said the prosecution will be expected to present new charge sheets before the case can resume.
“The prosecution should prepare and present new charge sheets at the next mention for taking of plea. I made the above observations, recommendations and directions as I could not decipher from the perusal of the charges that the transaction involved, formed part of the same transaction or a series of transactions,” Ogoti said as quoted by Nation.
Other persons accused in the case include; Paul Mutunga Mutungi (former Councillor), George Wainaina Njogu(former chief of staff), John Ndirangu Kariuki (former Nairobi Mayor) and Manasseh Karanja (former acting director internal audit).
Others are Philomena Kavinya Nzuki (principal accountant), accountants; James Mbugua, Alice Njeri Mundia, Ng'ang'a Mungai, Elizabeth Wanjiru Nderitu, Peterson Njiru, Ekaya Alumasi, and Charity Muringo Ndiritu,