Betty Tett arrested over plot to kill business rival
Police have arrested prominent Nairobi politician Betty Tett for allegedly enlisting the services of a hit-man to murder a business rival.
On Friday, the former Health Assistant Minister will appear in court to face charges of conspiracy to kill businessman Mr Andrew John Laird White.
Police say the alleged hit-man was Mr John Wachira Linus.
BUSINESS DEAL
It is alleged that the relationship between Mrs Tett and Mr Laird was strained after the latter pulled out of an advertisement business deal they were operating together.
She will be the second suspect to take plea after Mr Wachira, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to the charge of conspiracy to kill Mr Laird.
The prosecution told the Kibera Law courts that Mrs Tett had paid Mr Wachira a substantial amount of money to execute the plan.
The police produced money transfer messages allegedly sent by Mrs Tett to the accused.
SPARE HIS LIFE
The police managed to put a trap on the accused after he tried to solicit money from the intended victim so that he could spare his life.
“Mr Wachira went to Mr Laird’s home in Lavington, Nairobi, asking for more money so that he abandons the plan to kill him. However, Mr Laird reported the incident to the police and he was arrested on the day he came to collect the money he wanted,” said lawyer Cliff Ombetta representing Mr Laird.
Mrs Tett had been called by the police to shed more light on the accusations, but she failed to turn up saying she was unwell and had gone to see a doctor.
She was arrested later on Wednesday for questioning.