The hearing of the extradition request against former Nambale MP Chris Okemo and former Kenya Power boss Samuel Gichuru who are wanted in Jersey Island to face fraud charges will proceed.
A Nairobi court ruled on Tuesday that the Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko has powers to initiate the extradition proceedings.
Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Murugi said the Attorney General powers were reduced under the new constitution hence the DPP can take over cases.
Okemo and Gichuru moved to court to challenge Tobiko’s powers to initiate the extradition proceedings.
The two argued that it was unreasonable for them to be prosecuted for offences committed more than 20 years ago.
Tobiko wants Okemo and Gichuru extradited to face charges of money laundering, fraud and misconduct while in public office The DPP authorised their extradition following the request by the UK in accordance with the Commonwealth Extradition Act.
Okemo and Gichuru are wanted in the Island of Jersey on allegations of laundering Sh900 million between 1999 and June 2002. They are alleged to have benefited from kickbucks
Source:kbc
