State lines up 90 witnesses in Sh290m bursary case

The stalled prosecution of four former West Pokot County officials over the alleged misappropriation of more than Sh290 million in bursary funds.

The State has indicated it intends to rely on 90 witnesses and 700 pages of documentary evidence in the case, which spans the period between 2017 and 2022.

Prosecutors say the matter is ready for hearing but have pointed to repeated applications and adjournments as factors that have slowed proceedings.

The defence, however, maintains that the delays are necessary and part of ongoing legal processes.

At the centre of the case are allegations that funds meant for needy students were diverted through an alleged conspiracy to commit an economic crime under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

The accused have denied all nine counts.

The defence has also raised objections to the proceedings, citing a pending Court of Appeal application challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court, as well as claims that they were not supplied with key documents needed for cross-examination of witnesses.

They further argue that earlier proceedings were conducted without full legal representation, raising concerns over fairness and due process.

Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga has adjourned the case to August 11 and 18, 2026, allowing the accused to pursue their appeal application and to be supplied with typed proceedings.

He cautioned that this would be the last adjournment, signalling an intention to proceed with the matter once outstanding procedural issues are resolved.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between ensuring fair trial rights for accused persons and the need for timely determination of high-value corruption cases.