Kasarani MP to face trial for soliciting a bribe for a CDF project
Kasarani MP John Njoroge Chege must face trial for soliciting a bribe for the completion of a Secondary school project in his constituency three years ago, the High Court has ruled.
Justice Isaac Lenaola has ruled that graft charges against Mr Chege involve a large population and not an individual therefore the legislator must face the law as required.
The judge also pointed out the fact that the MP had severally attended court in person, he is in a position to present his defense appropriately before the trial court.
PUBLIC TRUST
“The crimes complained about do not have an effect only on the complainant but on the entire Kenyan population as they consist of non-delivery of public services and a loss of public trust in the government’s structures,” the judge said.
Mr Chege is accused of soliciting Sh100, 000 as an inducement to facilitate payment of Sh3.3 million from the Constituency Development Fund for the construction of a tuition block at Baba Dogo Road Secondary School.
He was arrested and charged on July 4, 2013 for demanding the alleged bribe but he denied the offense and was released on Sh1.5 million bond.
TIP OFF
His arrest came as a result of a tip off by the contractor, Mr AbdulRahman Mohammed Abdullahi to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, who set a trap for him.
He was allegedly arrested after already receiving Sh100, 000 from a total of Sh 300,000 on June 25, 2013 at the Continental House parking.
However the Magistrates court had acquitted him after Mr Abdullahi withdrew allegations against him.
According to Mr Abdullahi, he opted to do so because he is seriously ill and wants to go to the US for an operation, a ground which the judge dismissed as not being sufficient enough to warrant terminating the criminal prosecution of the legislator.
Consequently, Mr Chege’s case will have to be revived and he will be facing his trial.
He was the first MP to face graft charges after the last General Election.
