ODM leader Raila Odinga negotiated for the release of businessman Don Bosco Gichana from Arusha prison, award-winning journalist Nyambega Gisesa has revealed.
Mr. Gichana, who had been jailed without trial for five years over money laundering and fraud, was sentenced to five years in jail on top of Sh15 million fine after pleading guilty on Monday.
Should Mr. Gichana pay the fine, he'll have secured his freedom since he has already spent five years in prison.
According to Gisesa, Raila, working closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta, managed to persuade Tanzania President John Magufuli to have Bosco's case expedited.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta and The Right Honourable Raila Odinga intervened in seeking justice for Kenyan businessman Don Bosco Gichana who has been jailed without trial in Tanzania for almost one year.
"Through the negotiations with Tanzania President John Maghufuli , Mr Gichana has been sentenced in a plea-bargain deal in which he admitted guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime and money laundering for a negotiated lesser sentence of five years in prison(Which he has arleady served) and a fine of approximately Kshs.13.4 to Sh15m which the once monied flamboyant politician is said to be able to afford," said Gisesa.
In August, Raila was put to task to speak about Bosco's plight when he visited Kisii during the KICOSCA games.
Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati, who has been leading campaigns to have Mr. Gichana released, asked Odinga to use his close ties with President Magufuli to have Bosco released.
And days later, Raila would visit Tanzania for the burial of Monica Joseph, a sister to Magufuli and the two leaders are said to have discussed roadmap to Bosco's release.
Blogger Olivia Moraira popularly known as Kabz Nyar Kisii confirmed that Capitol Hill had requested to study Tuesday's judgment.
"They have called to get the judgement. We are happy that it's only payment of fine is remaining to have him released."
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