Ruto house matter pushed to next month

By VINCENT BARTOO

A graft case facing Eldoret North MP William Ruto was yet again adjourned to December 16 when it will be heard.

This follows the absence of Eldoret High Court judge Philomena Mwilu, who was reportedly taken ill. The matter was instead referred to Justice Festus Azangalala for direction.

But it was the absence of Ruto’s lawyer Katwa Kigen that raised a storm when others accused him of reluctance to have the case proceed.

Lawyer Oscar Angote for the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and Paul Gicheru for the Eldoret Municipal Council had first applied for a hearing date. But Eric Gumbo, who was holding brief for Katwa, asked for a hearing date.

"If you set a hearing date, it may be inconvenient for Katwa as I do not have his diary and he may not be available," said Gumbo.

Enough instructions

This incensed Angote and Gicheru, who rose to oppose. "Katwa knew what we were coming to do today and he should have given him (Gumbo) sufficient instructions," said Angote.

The date was agreed after Gumbo spoke to Katwa on the telephone.

Ruto is charged alongside Magut Agencies, a company associated with former Eldoret Mayor Josiah Magut and Somog Limited, a company linked the former minister.

Former Commissioner of Lands Wilson Gachanja is named in the suit as a fourth defendant.

KACC sued the four for the alleged fraudulent acquisition of houses belonging to Eldoret Municipal Council and meant for its chief officers.