Kosgey put on defense over abuse of office

Written By:Dzuya Walter,    Posted: Fri, Jul 29, 2011

Suspended Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey was behind the dock as the High Court ruled that he has a case to answer over the importation of overage vehicles Suspended Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey was on Friday put on his defense after an anti-corruption court ruled that he has a case to answer for abuse of office.  Kosgey through his lawyer Julius Kemboy said he would defend himself by providing the court with sworn evidence. The anti-corruption court was not convinced of Kosgey's innocence in issuing waivers for importation of motor vehicles exceeding the mandatory eight-year limit. Magistrate Elijah Obaga ruled that there was sufficient evidence adduced by the prosecution to warrant Kosgey to defend himself.  The hearing is due to be held on August 18.The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) alleges that Kosgey granted exemptions for the importation of more than a hundred cars older than eight years, and waived taxes for them. If convicted of all the 12 charges, the minister faces a maximum of 10 years in jail.  Kosgey was arraigned in court on January this year 4 hours after he stepped aside to allow for investigations into allegations of abuse of office.  In court, the Tinderet MP also maintained that no money was lost by the government in connection with the exemptions.