Embakasi East MP Babu Owino says online activist and former journalist Scophine Aoko Otieno alias Maverick Aoko is safe.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Babu said that he had been in constant communication with Aoko’s father, who has confirmed that she is fine.
This follows weeks of speculations on the activist’s whereabouts after she went missing on October 22, 2024.
“I have been talking to Maverick Aoko’s dad and he keeps confirming to me that Aoko is safe,” Babu stated.
Aoko’s disappearance
Aoko, who has been a vocal government critic on X lastly posted on her X account on October 22, 2024, before going mute across all platforms.
On October 28, 2024, a statement was issued through her X account, claiming to be from her aide revealing the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
According to the statement, Aoko had travelled from her rural home to attend a meeting and a court session. However, she found that her house in Nairobi had been broken into.
“Hi, this is Aoko’s aide. I’m tweeting using her account with the blessings of her dad. After her arrest, she opted to stay with family upcountry only going to Nairobi for meetings & Court. Two weeks ago, upon her return to Nairobi, she found her main door clobbered at the hinges. She called me panicked. I asked her to take pictures and leave. She decided not to say it to prevent drawing attention that she was around,” the statement read in part.
The statement claims that family and friends thought that the former journalist had decided to stay low after sensitive posts she had done online, only to discover she could have disappeared.
“We still don’t know her whereabouts. To whom do we report? If they (the police) took her, we’re asking that they produce her, if she is hiding, we pray that she is safe and will reach out in whatever discreet way just so we can all have peace of mind,” the statement added.
On October 28, 2024, Babu, a close friend of the activist, said that no one knew where the activist was.
“@AokoOtieno_ has been missing for days and her whereabouts is not known. I have reached out to her family members and close friends, but no one knows where she is!!” Babu Owino said in a public message on Monday, October 28, 2024.
A new statement was issued through her X account on November 1, 2024, claiming that she had been found at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
“Update: She’s been found at the Kenya-Tanzania border. Her family was called from a hospital. She was taken there by an unidentified person who said they found her outside their gate. Don’t know much at the moment, but the father is on his way there. Will keep you updated. Thank you for standing with her,” the statement claimed to be from her aide added.
The family is yet to issue a public statement regarding the matter.
Raila Odinga’s absence at the burial ceremony of CDF General Francis Ogolla at his home did not only catch everyone by surprise but also sparked a wave of speculations.
Raila, who comes from Nyanza region, just like Ogolla, was a relative as revealed by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga during the burial. Raila’s mother hailed from Alego, same as Ogolla, making the General his ‘uncle’.
Raila being the defacto leader of the Luo, was expected to headline the funeral which was also attended by President William Ruto.
Mr. Odinga was however seen attending a football match between local teams in Nairobi. His brother Oburu Odinga who represented him in the ceremony said the former prime minister was disposed to attend.
However, sources speaking to Kenya Insights allude to a strategic scheme by Odinga to avert a possible fallout and generally to preserve his image as a candidate for the up coming African Union election.
Odinga is also keen not to fracture his newly formed relationship with Ruto, “Raila is keen not to antagonise Ruto due to his bid for the AU seat. He didn’t want to be forced into pushing the theory of an assassination of Gen. Ogolla in front of Ruto.” The source said.
From the inception of the crash, majority of Azimio leaders have subtly advanced their view that there was a foul play in the fatal accident.
We learn from our insider source that Raila’s absence was an internal agreement in Azimio. “They knew that if Raila attends, then the organizers will give him a chance to address mourners, hence blocking the other Azimio luminaries. So, the agreement was that Kalonzo or Martha Karua was to be chosen to speak on behalf of Azimio. This is the reason why Kalonzo broke the protocol to invite Martha, and he was forced to come and recognize the presence of Wajackoyah and Mwangi wa Iria after the duo complained that Kalonzo ignored them.”
Also as part of their strategy, Dr. Oburu and Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi tried so hard to push the assassination theory, and even it is said they have tried to push the family to demand an investigation, and the family has refused to play along.
Oburu in his speech said the Luo community has in the past lost high-ranking leaders under unclear circumstances hence need to probe for the truth.
“Even though it was an accident; in this region we’ve had many such accidents and we’ve also had assassinations of leaders from this region. So when such things happen we are a bit suspicious not because of anything, but we want to know the truth,” Oburu said.
Oburu differed sharply with Joel Rabuku Omondi, the general’s son who had ruled out foul play in his father’s death, “I want to ask our Uncle, the General’s son, young man, don’t be impatient with us allow investigators to do their work! It’s not because of anything it is because once bitten twice shy. We asking for no stones to be left unturned and let us know the truth on who killed General Ogolla.” Oburu said.
Family rules out foul play
The general’s family differed. Joel was very close to the father and is said to know a lot of things about the father and that he went with the father to some of the most sensitive places and meetings hence he took charge of the funeral on behalf of the family.
Speaking during the funeral service at Senator Obama Primary school in Ng’iya area Siaya County yesterday, Joel said that his father had disclosed to him how he enjoyed a cordial relationship with President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Joel said that his death was a big blow to the three with whom he had great plans to turn around the security situation in the country.
“He would tell me, I have had a very good meeting with the boss. And not with the President alone but also with the Deputy President as well. He really enjoyed his company and formed very serious rela- tionship of securing the country. And the cabinet secretary (Duale), these people become like brothers,” Joel said.
The Ogolla’s family during the burial.
He said that the President was equally devastated by the untimely death of General Ogolla calling on the pub- lic to stop speculating about what could have caused the death of his father. “Even yesterday (Saturday) people were still speculating, ooh President appointed him because of this. I want to clear the air about the conversations I had with my fa- ther about his time with the President. He didn’t divulge any national security issues but generally, I feel it is important to clear the air.
“The President didn’t have to appoint him first of all. And nitially, he saw his competencies and decided that this was the man for the job. Very quickly they started becoming friends and they formed a serious chemistry,” he said.
The refusal of the family to advance the assassination narrative didn’t ogre go well with most regional leaders. Hence Oburu’s call that the death of Gen. Ogola was beyond the family. It is was made to appear as more of a tribe issue, hence the luonization of Ogolla’s death and Raila eyeing the continental position could not risk to be the headline of that theory.
Raila, however, attended the memorial service at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
Another unnamed politician cited by a local daily said the Bomas controversy and the ‘mood on the ground’ could have led to Raila skipping the event because he would not be in a position to talk about some of the issues that his supporters could have wanted him to address.
“The way the people applauded Senator Oburu and Governor Orengo signals what they wanted to hear and Raila may have avoided going that route due to his working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza regime,” noted the politician.
Analysts also view the move by Raila to issue a separate press release away from his Azimio co-principals could be a pointer that he did not want to issue a hard-hitting statement to the government that is backing his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
While Raila in his statement urged the government to expedite the probe into the cause of the accident that claimed Ogolla’s life, his co-principals Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Mwangi Wa Iria, Eugene Wamalwa and George Wajackhoya raised concerns on the accident they want the Ruto-led administration to respond to.
Raila raised concerns about the state of helicopters and other equipment being used by the security officers.
“Many near-death encounters have occurred with the security aircraft. We may never know what exactly brought down the helicopter in which the general died.
“It is our prayer that this tragedy may mark the beginning of a serious relook into our security equipment, especially aircrafts with a view to undertaking a complete overhaul and modernization of the equipment. That was the General’s vision,” he said.
Call it dirty linen washing Friday, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja declared violence on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekends going for each other’s neck by engaging in a war of words that saw the two politicians holding nothing back as they accused each other of drug addiction.
At one point Babu appeared to out the governor as being an LGBTQ member when he referred to him as ‘Team Rainbow ?’ ‘anakulwa matako (he’s getting banged)’ in the heat of the moment. “You have stolen a lot from Nairobi county and addicted to alcohol and Bhang. You are advised to stop being a girlfriend we have more than enough ladies in Kenya.” Babu said. Sakaja swung back claiming to have slept with the MP’s wife in a subtle comeback, “I think someone in your house will vehemently refute the rainbow claims you’re making.”
All these came after the Nairobi governor was ranked bottom ten in the latest report on the governor’s scorecard angering Owino who took issue with the Governor’s performance
“Sakaja is an embarrassment to the People of Nairobi. How can you be ranked last out of 47 Counties? Kazi ni Kuiba pesa Za Nairobi County and buying Houses in America, London, and Dubai,” Stated Babu.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.
The report however was dismissed by Sakaja who claimed to have achieved more than he had been credited for. Sakaja went on to list some of the transformations the city under the sun had undergone under his leadership.
Corruption
He said that he has increased ward-based projects to Ksh.23 million per ward from Ksh.17 million, built markets, and restarted projects stalled for the last 6 years among other projects.
Owino took a swipe at Sakaja dismissing his sentiments as pure lies saying that the figures had been cooked.
“Stop lying you gave MCAs 1200 bursary forms at 5k each which amounts to 6 million shillings, not Ksh.23M which you are claiming. Every ward is supposed to get 23m shillings per year for bursaries, where’s the Ksh.17M shillings per ward for 85 wards= Ksh.1.4B shillings?” Stated Owino.
The accusation however did not settle well with Nairobi Governor Sakaja who came out to defend himself while accusing Owino of being high on drugs.
“If you removed the white stuff you are stuffing up your nose, you’d realize there’s a difference between bursaries and Ward-based Development Funds (WDF), Bursaries are Ksh.7M per ward (85 wards). (Ksh.2.5M term 1, Ksh.2.5M term 2, and Ksh.2M term 3). Up from Ksh.4.5M. Every ward is getting WDF of Ksh.23 million for Development not bursaries. Up from Ksh.17M.” stated Sakaja.
Babu, was ready to go lower with Sakaja coming directly for him
“You said in your previous post that you gave bursaries worth Ksh.23M shillings in every ward. You are nothing in the intellectual parlance hence should stop misusing numbers, we are not in TEAM-building activities. You have stolen a lot from Nairobi County and addicted to alcohol and Bhang,” fired Owino.
“For the white stuff, I stopped its consumption but you are advised to stop being a girlfriend we have more than enough ladies in Kenya. Catfish. The day you went for liposuction you also melted your brain cells.”
Sakaja dismissed Owino’s claims that he had stopped using cocaine accusing him of embezzling funds. “ I used to drink alcohol, smoke bhang and did cocaine. I stopped all these on the 18th January 2020. Now let’s talk about your addiction to alcohol, tobacco and Bhang. You drink till you urinate in your pants. You need to be in rehab not in Nairobi county.” Stated Babu.
“You’re clearly still high. You stopped when? A few minutes ago? Stop completely bro, cocaine will ruin you. Which post did I mention Ksh.23M per ward for bursaries? Show us,”
“Again, visit any of our facilities including Tassia Kwa Ndege, where I’ve reclaimed land stolen under your watch as MP. Visit them and you’ll get support against cocaine addiction. We’ve also built the first rehab at Sinai, VIWANDANI. ‘’he said.
Sh50M bribe to Ruto
Babu had a lot to say on the Tassia land saga, “The land in TASSIA belongs to Mr. Abdullahi, he bought it from NSSF and has a Title for it. You have an interest in the land which you want to grab from him for refusing to bribe you. You came to Parklands police station to gain political mileage coz either way I was taken to court and acquitted. As for THEFT of Public resources,why were you raided by the DCI, you went to meet Ruto in Kwale county with 50m which he refused to take,still raided the day after. You flew to London to avoid being arrested and to beg Baba to rescue you. Your CECs and Chief Officers have recorded statements at the Dci headquarters. The file is already with the EACC awaiting your Prosecution. You have eaten more than the owner can notice. You paid 2B to companies for jobs not done. You collect 5/- from parents in Nairobi in the name of school feeding program yet the program is budgeted for by the national government. You demand bribes from developers daily.”
School Feeding Program ‘Dishi’
The Twitter war between the two leaders stretched to Monday when Sakaja’s feeding program for school kids in Nairobi failed to take off forcing kids to go hungry in different schools. Babu took the opportunity to further hammer his opponent whom he now sarcastically refers to as ‘her excellency’.
It was after the reply that many including Babu challenged the governor to post a video showing the kids eating from their schools but he didn’t post instead, he fired a salvo by replying to Babu with a video of the shooting incident involving DJ Evolve which many read as escapism. Numerous reports indicated that the feeding program failed to take off on Monday making the governor to resort to sideshows and propaganda to mask his failure.
The war between the two Nairobi leaders comes as the two of them eye to contest for the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat in 2027, with Owino eyeing to replace Sakaja and Sakaja looking forward to defending his seat.
Babu Owino has set the political arena ablaze, emerging as the best-performing Member of Parliament in Nairobi with an impressive score of 72%.
Nationally, he stands second, just shy of Ndindi’s 74%, according to a Politrack Africa survey.
Zipporah Umile, the survey’s Data Reporting Officer, reveals that these rankings are the result of direct interactions with the electorate, who weighed in on several vital factors.
Babu Owino Has Unwavering Political Stamina
What sets Embakasi East MP Babu Owino apart from the crowd is his unwavering political stamina, showcased through his ability to weather challenging storms like the DJ Evolve case – a feat that would crumble the dreams of weaker politicians.
He has proven time and again that he’s a politician who keeps his eye firmly on the ball, never losing sight of the issues that matter most.
Babu Owino‘s charisma and charm are undeniable, factors that contribute significantly to his rising popularity.
Meanwhile, some of his peers, like Phelix Oduor, also known as Jalango, are facing a harsh backlash in their constituencies for what’s perceived as a betrayal of the ODM Party, of which Owino is a staunch member.
In Nairobi, there’s a palpable feeling that this vigorous politician has the potential to reshape the political landscape.
There’s even speculation that he could challenge and unseat Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the upcoming 2027 elections. Babu Owino is a dynamic force, and his influence is growing steadily.
A Record of Excellence
Babu Owino’s remarkable performance as Embakasi East MP speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to his constituents. His 72% score in the Politrack Africa survey underscores his effectiveness as a legislator and representative. In the complex world of politics, where promises often remain unfulfilled, Owino has managed to deliver results, earning the trust and support of his electorate.
Babu Owino: Unyielding Stamina in the Face of Adversity
The mark of a true leader is their ability to endure and overcome challenges. Babu Owino has demonstrated exceptional political stamina, particularly in the high-profile DJ Evolve case. While this controversy might have derailed the careers of less resilient politicians, Owino faced it head-on, proving his mettle and determination to stand for what he believes in.
A Charismatic Force
Babu Owino’s charisma and charm are undeniable assets. These qualities have enabled him to connect with people from all walks of life, transcending traditional political boundaries. His magnetic appeal draws crowds, making him a powerful force on the political stage.
While Babu Owino continues to soar in popularity, some of his fellow politicians, like Phelix Oduor (Jalango), are experiencing a severe backlash in their constituencies.
The primary reason for this backlash is perceived betrayal, particularly with regard to their association with the ODM Party, to which Owino remains steadfastly loyal. This loyalty has only further solidified his standing among party faithful.
A Glimpse into the Future
In Nairobi, there’s a growing sentiment that Babu Owino’s dynamic approach to politics could disrupt the status quo.
Many believe that he has the potential to challenge and even unseat Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the 2027 elections. Owino’s vigor and determination make him a serious contender in the city’s political landscape.
Bottom-Line
Babu Owino’s ascent in Nairobi politics is undeniable, backed by his impressive track record, unwavering resilience, charisma, and loyalty to his party.
As he continues to gain popularity, his influence within Nairobi and beyond is on the rise. The prospect of him challenging for the position of Nairobi Governor in 2027 is a testament to his growing stature in Kenyan politics.
In the ever-evolving world of politics, Babu Owino is a force to be reckoned with, and his journey is one that promises to be both exciting and impactful.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is now off the hook over charges of attempted murder after his shooting victim Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve to withdraw the case against him.
While withdrawing the charges, the DJ who survived death by a whisker informed the court that Babu had cleared his hospital bill, which stood at Sh9.4 million, and bought him a house and a customized car.
Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi acquitted the controversial MP over the charge of attempted murder but declined to withdraw the second charge of behaving disorderly while carrying a firearm.
“Taking all the above into account, i have come to the conclusion that is a matter where the court should encourage reconciliation as envisaged in the constitution and therefore i will allow the request to withdraw the charges against the accused count I. The charges in count I are therefore withdrawn under section 204 Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) aand accused acquitted”, ruled the Magistrate.
Owino was charged in January last year with attempting to murder DJ Evolve, by shooting him in the neck. The incident happened at B Club in Kilimani, Nairobi on January 17.
The court noted that Babu was currently undertaking certain obligations in effort for restitution and that the two were friends before the shooting. “It appears they maintained the friendship even after the incident,” he said.
“This is a matter where the court should encourage reconciliation as envisaged in the constitution and therefore, I will allow the application to withdraw the charges against the accused in count 1,” he ruled.
The Magistrate noted that the apartment would ease DJ Evolve’s burden of paying house rent. “Regarding engaging a specialist, the same has been done and the results were evident as the DPP mentioned in the cause of the negotiations that they had observed that the complainant’s health had improved which was courtesy of the specialist that he continues to receive from the Nairobi Hospital,” he said.
According to Ochoi, the concerns raised by the DPP regarding the welfare of DJ Evolve had been covered in the deed of agreement.
Babu had earlier been released Sh10 million cash bail deposited in court to be used to settle the medical bill, while he was still admitted in hospital and subsequent treatment upon discharge.
On March 15, the Magistrate had declined to allow application for withdrawal of the case saying unconditional withdrawal of the case was not appropriate.
“Unconditional withdrawal in my view is not appropriate in the circumstances of this case… the parties must come out openly in what form of compensation has been made to the victim and in pursuing restorative justice,” noted the Magistrate.
Court upholds prosecution's application to proceed to full trial with the 'Misuse of a firearm' charges levelled against Embakasi MP, Babu Owino. Court, however, withdrew charges of attempted murder of Felix Orinda aka DJ Evolve. #HakiNaUsawapic.twitter.com/ZsOK5W4jJJ
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) December 14, 2021
The DJ had said that after consultation with his family, they agreed to concentrate on his health rather than pursuing the case in court.
“I am alive to the provisions of the victims protection act and the participation of the offender in restorative justice shall not prejudice the offender’s right any more or be deemed as evidence of admission of guilt,” ruled the Magistrate.
Babu Owino lawyer Duncan OkatchDuncan Okatch termed the decision as monumental and good for alternative dispute resolution.
“This is a very big win to the victim, victim protection act and the constitution in relation focusing on the interests of victim more than public interest”, said Okatch.
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino who is facing charges of attempting to kill DJ Evolve whom he shot at a Kilimani club last year is using his status to coerce the victim’s family to accept an out of court settlement.
DJ Evolve’s family lawyer told the court that they are in advanced stages of negotiations. Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi also heard that the only thing holding the parties back are some documents that they have to present to the prosecution before settling the matter.
The prosecution confirmed the same, noting that the outspoken Mp and his lawyer have been holding talks with the victim’s family. They also stated that they [prosecution] have held two meetings with the accused lawmaker and DJ Evolve’s family together with the lawyers.
“We are waiting for a document from the two parties which will enable us to hand to the DPP for directions,” the prosecution told the court.
Dj Evolve [p/courtesy]But the prosecution asked for more time since they have to wait for prosecutor who is handling the case. Bbabu case is under prosecutor Nyamosi is currently attending to an official duty out of town. She is the one mandated to forward the letter to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Babu’s first attempt to have an out-of-court settlement failed after Ochoi declined to withdraw the matter without being informed what the MP was offering DJ Evolve. He (Magistrate Ochoi) has now given them three weeks to tie up their negotiations before he rules on the matter.
DJ Evolve also attempted to withdraw the same criminal case in March 2012 on grounds that they have been good friends with Babu even prior to the shooting incident.
In a letter dated September 21, 2020 and addressed to the DPP and the Court’s Executive Officer, the victim and his family argued that the case had divided his attention and was affecting his healing process.
Babu Owino is not only accused of attempting to kill Felix Orinda (DJ Evolve) by shooting him on the neck at B Club located along Galana Road in Kilimani, Nairobi on January 17, 2020. He is also charged of behaving disorderly while carrying a firearm.
Babu was responding to KFCB chair Ezekiel Mutua’s tweet slaming the legislator of using bad utterances while responding to Kandara MP’s remaks on BBI.
It's ok for politicians to differ and to exchange barbs for political mileage, but this kind of language from an MP is unacceptable. It's crude and barbaric and must not be accepted in a civilised society. Our leaders are behaving badly and setting a bad example for the youth! pic.twitter.com/JJlagf5Tit
Why is GOVERNMENT(Hon Babu Owino) threatening the OPPOSITION( Hon Alice Wahome)? @HEBabuOwino ..please elucidate this policy promise of shaving… https://t.co/RnuhdbA24F
Shaving all the hair on a womans body would include pubic hairs. Touching any part of a womans private parts without consent is defilement. You are a legislator. Read and acquaint yourself with The Sexual Offences Act. Kamiti might be your first hell if you dare.#happysabbathhttps://t.co/6MQs17a0qZ
It doesn't matter which side of the political divide you are on; we must condemn such explicit and offensive statements, especially coming from an elected goon purporting to be a leader – my foot! Over to you @NCIC_Kenya. https://t.co/CuSfHoEBtvpic.twitter.com/e79F8dmNUl
@EstherPassaris you need education more than anything else.first learn the difference between defilement that you instist on so much when I was addressing Alice and rape.Then read the sexual offenses act and know their meaning.
If Alice Wahome and company are serious , let them bring amendments to to the infamous Security Laws Amendment Act . A draconian law mooted during the festive season to avoid scrutiny and one the ferociously defended and enacted . Renounce your sins NOW !!
Just how important are new years resolution to you or any other person in this era? Well, to some, perhaps all or not, just like Hon Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino is to set a step for change.
The Embakasi East legislator has said that from 2020 he’s only indulging in Chang’aa— Kenyan local brew that the State has since banned its production and distribution.
For those who can remember in 2016 at the funeral service of the late minister and Malava legislator Soita Shitanda, DP Ruto and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale told mourners that they grew up in homes where chang’aa was an everyday affair.
“Before he received salvation, my father’s home was brewing alcohol, but we don’t want to return to that path of brewing chang’aa and busaa for our children to get money for education. That’s why we came up with programmes in dairy and sugarcane farming to ensure our children don’t rely on chang’aa and busaa brewing for their education.” DP Ruto said then
The DP’s revelations came after his now wingman Khalwale eulogised the late Soita as a friend with whom they shared much besides coming from a relatively humble background.
“Soita’s mother, Nasumbu in Butali village, brewed chang’aa whose proceeds educated Soita to become a minister. My mother Shinangoi used proceeds from chang’aa to educate me to the level of a medical doctor,” said Khalwale amid cheers from the crowd.
What is your new year’s resolution before you start pointing profanity fingers at Babu Owino’s?
Babu Owino has been very vocal on matters of national interest also believes DP Ruto has a hand in the Dams scandal and wants him probed.
Babu was commenting on news that Treasury CS Rotich had been arrested alongside Kamau Thugge (Treasury Principal Secretary) and Jackson Kinyanjui the Treasury Director of resource mobilization among others.
On Ruto’s defense, his allies have linked the arrests as stage-managed by anti-Ruto agents in the government.
“My conclusion from what I have seen is that we are not fighting corruption. What is happening is that we are lying to Kenyans and trying to create a narrative that is meant to show that there is an ongoing war on corruption,” Murkomen said .
National Treasury CS Henry Rotich was arrested and was presented in Court today,Tuesday.
Rotich pleaded not guilty to corruption charges over the award of two dam tenders in an unprecedented move against a sitting cabinet minister.
Henry Rotich, Kamau Thugge the Treasury PS, Susan Jemtai Koech the East African Community PS and David Kipchumba Kimosop ,Former Managing Director KVDA are accused of conspiring to defraud the public among other charges.
According to DPP Hajji, Rotich borrowed 63Billion for the two dams which were budgeted to cost 46billion.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons conspired to defraud the Government of Kenya between December 17, 2014 and September 27, 2018.
Rotich and others have also been charged with wilful failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement as well as engaging in a project without prior planning.
Other charges include abuse of office, committing an offence of financial misconduct, fraudulent acquisition of public property and wilful neglect to perform official duty.
Lawyers representing the Rotich and other suspects include Katwa Kigen, Kioko Kilukumi, Ginaro Kibe, Kipchumba Murkomen among others.
