High Court judge John Onyiego granted bail to Sirisia MP John Waluke and his co-convict Grace Wakhungu in the Ksh 297million maize fraud case.
Waluke was released on KSh10 million cash bail and Wakhungu was granted KSh20 million bail
Justice Onyiengo said the appeal by the duo who have been in prison for three months could likely be successful on the reason that the sentences imposed on them are illegal.
Waluke is serving a 37-year sentence at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison while Wakhungu, 80, currently at the Lang’ata Women Prison is serving a 39-year sentence after failing to raise a combined fine of KSh2 billion imposed on them by Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma of Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on June 22.
According to the ruling made by the Judge, “To balance the interest of the accused with that of public interest, it’s the duty of the court to uphold the rights of the accused person. I’m persuaded that applicants (Waluke and Wakhungu) have an arguable appeal,” said Onyiego.
However, though out, they were directed to deposit their traveling documents in court until their appeal is determined.
The two were charged over a contract that the company won to supply 40,000 tonnes of maize in 2004.
