27 Treasury staff and businessmen charged over Sh1.5bn public funds heist
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Twenty seven serving and retired civil servants, as well as businessmen, have been charged in connection with a Sh1.5 billion financial scam at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
They have denied over 100 charges of abuse of office, money laundering, and the acquisition of criminal proceeds.
Trial magistrate Rose Ndombi issued arrest warrants for seventeen suspects who failed to appear in court despite being asked to do so by EACC officials.
The prosecution did not oppose the release of the accused on bail.
The court was urged to consider the seriousness of the offence.
"I urge the court to take into account Sh1.5bn was looted from public coffers when considering their bail applications," the prosecutor stated.
The prosecutor said the charges were very serious, carrying harsh penalties.
The magistrate was urged to impose stringent bail conditions.
The defence lawyers asked the court to consider the health conditions of the accused, as some of them are retired civil servants.
The court has reserved its ruling on bail.
Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.