Ex-Treasury CS Henry Rotich acquitted in Sh63billion Kimwarer and Arror dams scandal
Former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and eight others have been acquitted over the multi-billion corruption case on Kimwarer and Arror dams.
In her ruling magistrate Eunice Nyutu said Rotich and the right had no case to answer as the evidence provided before the court was not enough to continue with the case.
The prosecution was denied a chance to interrogate the forty-one witnesses who testified in the case.
Magistrate Nyutu blasted the prosecution over their conduct.
“All the accused person in this case are hereby acquitted under section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code due to lack of evidence as a result of dereliction of duty by prosecution.” The magistrate ruled.
Rotich was charged with 19 counts including unlawful execution of loan agreement totaling up to 578,309, 578 Euros which was to finance the construction of Arror and Kimwarer multipurpose dams.
Amongst the charges, the former CS was charged of improperly using his office to confer the benefits of contractual rights to the joint venture formed outside the country I.e two Italian suppliers; Cooperativa Muratori and Comentisti (CMC di Ravena) and Itinera S.p.A
Amongst those charged with Rotich include Jackson Kinyanjui, David Kipchumba, William Kipkemboi, Paul Kipkoech, Francis Chepkonga, Kennedy Nyakundi, Titus Murithi and Geoffrey Mwangi Wahungu; all charged with graft.
Addressing the press after the acquittal, the former CS who was elated stated that the devil is ashamed with those who skimmed it.
“I think the devil has been ashamed and I believe he will permanently be ashamed for those skimmed this evil work….I will give a more detailed reaction.” Rotich stated.
Last month, Rotich had requested the court to acquit him saying that the narrative that money was lost or even stolen was just a fiction.
He had urged the prosecution failed to the case by failing to call the witnesses of the case.
In March this year, president William Ruto was in talks with the Italian companies for the revival of the 63B project.
