Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama and former Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo were Friday charged with theft and abuse of office over the sale of Malili Ranch.
The two were charged alongside National Police Service Commission (NPSC) member Ronald Musengi and former Commissioner of Lands Zablon Mabea.
They were accused of stealing Sh179 million, the proceeds of the sale of 5,000 acres of land by Malili Ranch Ltd shareholders to the government.
SEPARATE CHARGES
Mr Ndemo faced three separate charges of failing to comply with procurement laws.
Mr Musengi faced another charge of obtaining Sh40 million from lawyer Eric Mutua for Malili Ranch Ltd by pretending he was the agent for the land company in the acquisition.
The four were represented by a team of 30 lawyers, led by James Orengo, John Khaminwa and Kethi Kilonzo.
Three directors of Malili Ranch — Donald Ngelai, James Munguti and Leonard Katua — were not charged, having obtained orders stopping their prosecution in the same case.
The 5,000 acres of land was sold to the government for the construction of Konza Technology City.
-nation.co.ke
