Counties

Verdict on Kakamega wheelbarrows case put off

case

Chief Magistrate Bildad Ochieng’ said the postponement was occasioned by “work pressure”. FILE PHOTO | NMG

A Kakamega court Thursday deferred judgment in a case where seven Bungoma county employees are charged with inflating the cost of 10 wheelbarrows to Sh109, 320 each last year.

The judgment was moved to May 31.

Chief Magistrate Bildad Ochieng’ said the postponement was occasioned by “work pressure”.

The seven appeared before a fully-packed court but Mr Ochieng’ saidhe was not ready with the judgement.

“Due to pressure of work, judgement is hereby postponed to May 31. Any inconveniences caused is hereby regretted,” said Mr Ochieng’.

The accused pensively listened to the chief magistrate and left the court room in haste after the judgement was put off.

They are the tender committee chairman Howard Lukadilu, vice chairman Oscar Onyango Ojwang’ and accounting officer John Juma Matsanza.

 Others are Mr Ayub Tuvaka China, Arlington Shikuku Omushieni, Jacquiline Nanjala Namukali and Reuben Cheruiyot Rutto.

 They are accused of buying 10 non-carcinogenic wheelbarrows for use in a slaughterhouse in Bungoma County.

 Each of the wheelbarrows was supplied by Jagla Enterprises at a cost of Sh10,932.

The exorbitant price of the wheelbarrows sparked a public uproar.

The wheelbarrows were procured during the administration of Kenneth Lusaka, now Senate Speaker.

During the hearing, lawyer for the accused Sylvester Madialo faulted the prosecution saying it had failed to prove its case against them.