Ten of the remaining suspects in the Kenya Utalii College case involving former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and his then Principal Secretary were on Thursday charged before Malindi Law Courts.

The 10 include Allan Chenane, Joseph Rotich Cherutoi, Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande, George Muya Njoroge, Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, Rebman Malala And James Mwangi Wairagu.

Balala and his co-accused are accused of improperly conferring a benefit to baseline Architects Limited Ujenzi consultants, Armitech consulting engineering and Westconsult consulting Engineers by resolving to engage private consultants against a cabinet decision which led to the irregular payment of Sh. 3.368,494,779.63 paid to the said firms.

They were presented before Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki where they pleaded not guilty

The defense counsels requested for the reasonable bond for their suspects, which the Prosecution did not, oppose.

The magistrate gave the suspect bonds as follows:

Allan Chenane and Joseph Rotich were released on a bond of Ksh.2 million with surety or a cash bail of Ksh.600,000. 

Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande and George Muya Njoroge were released on a bond of Kshs. 750,000 with surety or a cash bill of Kshs. 300,000. 

Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, James Mwangi Wairagu and Rebman Malala were released on a bond of Kshs. 3,000,000 with surety or a cash bill of Kshs. 800,000.

The 8th accused one Florah Ngina Ngonze was represented by a lawyer who informed the court that she could not attend the court since she was admitted to the hospital.

The court has also issued summons for Nancy Siboe and Joseph Karanja Ndung’u who did not appear in court. 

The case will be mentioned on January 11, 2024.

The suspects who have already taken plea were exempted from attending the court on 11/01/2024.