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Gesami Wants Misuse of CDF Case Against Him Settled Out of Court

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Published on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 15:35

Public Health assistant minister James Gesami has initiated talks with an anti-corruption agency with an aim of settling out of court a case relating to misuse of constituency development funds lodged against him. Gesami who had gone to court to stop any attempts by the state to arrest him in relation to the charges yesterday told a judge that he intends to have the matter sorted out of court.

Through lawyer Ochieng Oduol, the assistant minister said he had already initiated talks with officials of Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission even though there is no response. On its part, the anti-corruption agency said it was not able to give feedback to the assistant minister as it is in transition period.

And as a result, the parties sought to have the matter which was listed for hearing before Judge Mohammed Warsame yesterday adjourned. Justice Warsame gave the parties in the case one week to discuss the matter.

The anti-corruption body wants to charge Gesami for allegedly failing to comply with the law and procedures relating to tendering of contracts. The agency claims the West Mugirango MP irregularly sought the services of Gracan Construction to carry out routine maintenance of the Kebirigo- Mosobeti Road at a cost of Kshs 2,497,900. But Gesami in his application claims that the prosecution has been brought for ulterior motives.

He says that he risks suspension from his present appointment because of the proceedings instituted by the Anti-Corruption agency in Kisumu Court. He believes the criminal case is prejudicial. The legislator argued that earlier a warrant of arrest was issued against him and this was done in violation of his fundamental rights. Gesami says that the investigations and also the charges against him are in gross of abuse of the court process.