Graft convicts Waluke, Wakhungu out on bail

The High Court in Nairobi has freed corruption convicts Sirisia MP John Waluke and his business partner Grace Wakhungu on bond pending the hearing and determination of their appeal.

Justice John Onyiego Monday set free Waluke on a Sh10 million cash bail or an alternative Sh20 million bond. Wakhungu was ordered to pay Sh20 million cash bail or an alternative Sh30 million bond in order to be released to await the hearing of the appeal.

The judge also directed the court’s deputy registrar to consult the Judiciary’s accounts office to determine whether the bonds the convicts had deposited at the lower court during trial had been released back after their imprisonment.

Should the registrar find the bonds are still being retained by the Judiciary, the same will be factored in when processing the fresh bails. During the criminal trial the two were out on a cash bail of Sh2 million each.

While ruling on the bail application Monday, Justice Onyiego found that the two convicts have an arguable appeal against the lower court’s judgment.

Deposit passports

He directed them to deposit their passports with the court and further ordered that they should not leave the country without the court's permission.

Another condition was that the convicts should be reporting to the High Court’s deputy register once a month. The appeal will be mentioned on October 14, 2020 for directions.

The two, who are also directors of Erad Supplies Ltd, were convicted in June this year by the Anti-Corruption Court for the theft of Sh297 million from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

The trial court also imposed a combined fine of Sh2 billion. In default, Wakhungu was handed a 39-year sentence while the Sirisia MP was slapped with a 34-year sentence.