The Kenya Pipeline case involving irregular procurement of auto transformers at Sh29 million failed to take off after the suspended Managing Director Charles Tanui was absent from court alleging abrupt illness.
The case was to proceed for the first time with hearing dates set for four consecutive days from 1st to 4th August.
The prosecution was ready for trial with three key witnesses and objected adjournment to the following week.
Suspended Kenya Pipeline MD Tanui is charged alongside the company’s Chief engineer Josephat Kipkoech Sirma, Chief technical manager Elias Maina Karumi, Redline Limited company Directors Ngatia Ndungu and Judy Thuo and the company.
The court heard that Tanui failed to make prior communication of his medical situation to the court even after the court adjourned a morning session following his absence. He is charged on two counts of abuse of office and wilful failure to comply with the law awarding a Sh29 million contract for supply, installation and commissioning of auto-transformers.
Prosecuting council Gitonga Riungu opposed adjournment of 8th August saying, “Prosecution has not been provided with any medical report and there was no courtesy from the accused to make a phone call.”
He added: “We can mention the matter within dates already set for hearing and a medical report to be produced in court tomorrow. This is a matter hearing dates had been taken in April.”
The case will be mentioned on 4th August where Mr Tanui is expected to prove illness.