The wheels of justice often turn slowly, but for some, they never reach their final destination. Over the years, Kenya has witnessed high-profile cases where the accused or key figures in legal battles passed before the courts could deliver their rulings.
The unresolved cases left many questions of accountability and justice hanging. Here are five Kenyans who have passed on before the courts had a verdict on their case:
Samuel Kivuitu
Samuel Kivuitu, the former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya, jointly with his members sued the government in 2007 after the commission was disbanded. The dissolution followed accusations that the ECK had mishandled the 2007 General Election.
Kivuitu and his team maintained that their move was unfair, and sued for what they termed to be wrongful dismissal. The team was also keen on clearing its name over the claim that it had bungled the 2007 elections that saw thousands leave. However, Kivuitu died before the case proceeded to trial.
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David Mwiraria
David Mwiraria served as Kenya’s Finance Minister during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. He was among 14 individuals set to face corruption charges over their alleged role in the multi-billion shilling Anglo Leasing scandal.
Mwiraria was accused of conspiracy to commit economic crimes, defrauding the government, and approving projects without proper planning. However, due to illness, he was unable to appear in court. After battling cancer for years, he passed away on April 13, 2017, before the case could be concluded.
Wilfred Koinange
Wilfred Koinange, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, passed away in August 2012.
He was linked to the Goldenberg scandal, where he was accused of authorizing documents that led to the loss of billions of shillings in public funds.
In his defense, Koinange maintained that he had only followed directives from former President Daniel Moi.
He died before the court could issue a ruling on the matter.
James Kanyotu
Kanyotu was the head of Kenya’s intelligence agency, which is currently known as the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Reports indicate that he was one of the key figures behind establishing Goldenberg International, the company at the center of the infamous Goldenberg scandal. This led to the loss of billions in public funds.
He died before the matter was terminated as he sought to defend himself against the allegations.
Kihara Muttu and Habel John Nyamu
Kihara Muttu, who served as deputy to Samuel Kivuitu, the then head of the now-defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya, and John Nyamu, a commissioner at the ECK under the same leadership, filed a case in court challenging the disbandment of the commission.
They and other officials demanded compensation for what they termed wrongful dismissal. However, before the court could give a verdict, Muttu died in November 2010 at the age of 74, while Nyamu also died before the case was concluded, thus leaving the matter unresolved.
