Ex-Governor Kidero writes to CJ Koome over corruption case

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome seeking to have a case he is facing before the Anti-Corruption court in Milimani be heard by Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.

This comes after Magistrate Ogoti was transferred from the Milimani courts to Embu and later to Kisumu, in the latest Judiciary reshuffles.

Kidero, in the letter, says that Magistrate Ogoti has heard the case from the beginning hence should be the one to determine it.

According to the former city boss, the case is now at its final stages with only one more witness remaining to testify in the matter.

It is hence his submission that the transfer of the Magistrate is likely to affect and delay the case, thereby delaying his fundamental right to a fair hearing and expeditious conclusion of the trial.

“Thus given the very advanced stage of these proceedings, the numerous parties and advocates involved, judicious use of limited judicial resources including time in view of Article 47...we take this opportunity call upon and humbly request the intervention of the Chief Justice to grant permission and give directions that the Trial Magistrate Ogoti to conclude and finalize the trial of this matter,” reads the letter.

When the matter came up for mention on Thursday morning before Magistrate Victor Wamukhule, Kidero - through his lawyers - asked for adjournment to allow the Chief Justice reply to his request dated February 22 this year.

The court agreed and directed that the matter be mentioned on April 20 to confirm if the Chief Justice will have replied and for further directions.