Nambale MP Chris Okemo (left) and former Kenya Power and Lighting boss Samuel Gichuru are wanted in Jersey where the authorities accuse them of money laundering and corruption. On Monday the duo appeared in court and each freed on a Sh1m cash bail. Photos/FILE
By JAMES RATEMO, jratemo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Monday, July 11 2011 at 11:28
Posted Monday, July 11 2011 at 11:28
A Nairobi Court on Monday ordered Nambale MP Chris Okemo and former parastatal chief Samuel Gichuru to surrender their passports until August 4 when hearing for their extradition to the Island of Jersey commences.
The duo, who voluntarily presented themselves before Nairobi Chief Magistrates’ court were each freed on a Sh1m cash bail.
Director of Public Prosecutions sought warrants for their arrest on Tuesday last week.
The legal authorities in Jersey have called for speedy conclusion of cases seeking the extradition of two prominent Kenyans.
Mr Okemo, a former minister of Finance and Mr Gichuru, the former Kenya Power and Lighting Company boss are alleged to have received kickbacks from companies active in the energy sector during the Moi regime.
Mr Okemo also served as Energy minister in the Moi regime.
“The Jersey authorities are extremely serious about getting the extraditions. This is not a small issue for them, this is a vital reputation for Jersey,” Britain's envoy to Kenya Rob Macaire said recently after meeting Kenya's Attorney General Amos Wako.
Mr Tobiko filed the extradition application before principal magistrate Grace Macharia on Tuesday last week seeking a warrant of arrest for the two, and stated that the government has no objection to the request for surrender of Mr Okemo and Mr Gichuru by a Jersey court.
Mr Tobiko, through state counsel Edwin Okello, Victor Mulei and Mungai Warui submitted that the court should issue a warrant for the arrest and detention of Mr Okemo and Mr Gichuru in accordance with the Commonwealth Extradition Act.
Mr Tobiko attached a letter from the Jersey Island Attorney General Timothy Le Cocq requesting the extradition.
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