After five years of waiting, flamboyant businessman Don Bosco Gichana would now have his freedom back, a Tanzania Court has ruled.
On Monday, Don Bosco, a close ally of Raila Odinga, pleaded guilty to money laundering and fraud charges in Arusha and the judge had only a day to make judgements.
Throughout these years, prosecutors had failed to successfully charge Mr. Gichana leading to outcry from his Gusii base.
Blogger Olivia Moraira popularly known as Kabz Nyar Kisii, who has been advocating for Gichana's release, confirmed the new development on Tuesday.
"I have spoken with lawyer Omar few minutes ago and he has confirmed the progress.
"He will now pay Tsh300 million (Sh15 million) to secure his freedom after pleading guilty," she said.
The judge sentenced him to five years in jail (which he has already served) on top of the fine.
Campaigns to have Mr. Gichana intensified in August when Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati tasked Raila Odinga to secure his release.
And in mid-August, Raila travelled to Arusha for President John Magufuli sister's burial where he's said to have persuaded his ally to have Bosco released.
"Don Bosco's issue dominated their meeting. They agreed to have his case expedited," a source in Capitol Hill confirmed.
According to Ms. Moraira, Raila's office has since asked for Tuesday's judgment perhaps to help settle the fine.
In 2007, Bosco is credited for donating a Hammer for Raila's campaigns.
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