Economy

Shollei links Chief Justice house charges to politics

Shollei

Gladys Shollei addresses the press yesterday. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU

Former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Boss Shollei on Monday denied charges relating to the suspected illegal procurement of a residence for the Chief Justice  at a cost of Sh310 million.

Ms Shollei was charged with improperly conferring a benefit to Johnson Nduya Muthama Holdings Limited from whom the palatial residence in Runda Estate was bought.

She was also charged with wilful failure to comply with the law on management of public funds as the Judiciary’s accounting officer and engaging in the project without planning.

Addressing a press conference within the court precincts soon after her release on bond, Ms Shollei said she was a victim of politics and wondered whether the war on corruption was being used to shield the real culprits while sacrificing the innocent.

“I am in court because of politics, I am in court because I stepped on some toes and some people are determined to fix me,” she said.

READ: Shollei tender committee charged over Sh310m CJ house

Tender committee

She said she was relieved and amused to be in court, and “glad that my accusers have finally been forced to specify the charges that they have against me.” Ms Shollei is charged alongside her former deputy Kakai Kissinger and five former members of the Judiciary’s tender committee who approved the purchase.

Mr Kissinger and the five, Martin Okwatta, Benedict Omollo, Wycliffe Wanga, Thomas Oloko Atak and Nicholas Mbeba answered to similar charges  on August 5 in the absence of  Ms Shollei who was said to be out of the country.

They all denied engaging in a project without planning, failing to comply with the law on tendering and for going against the recommendation of the evaluation committee on accepting the lowest bid for the residence.

“These charges do not amount to anti-corruption or economic crimes bit is designed to keep me locked in courts as political persecution,” Ms Shollei said.

The case will be mentioned on September 7.