Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been cleared of corruption charges in a Ksh213 million graft case after the court determined that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence against him and nine co-accused individuals.
In his ruling delivered on Thursday, November 6, Justice Victor Wakumile stated that the case lacked enough proof to uphold the 17 corruption charges.
Kidero was accused alongside several former Nairobi County officials, among them the County Secretary, Chief Finance Officer, Finance and Planning Executive, acting Chief Finance Officer, and acting Head of Treasury.
"Count 1-17 all are acquitted under Section 210, count 18-35 accused person placed on their defense,” Wakumile ruled.
The case, which has stretched over several years, revolved around claims that county funds were siphoned through companies linked to irregular payments.
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According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the money was allegedly transferred from the Nairobi County Government accounts to two firms, Ngurumani Traders Ltd and Lodwar Wholesalers Ltd, between January 2014 and January 2016.
Investigators claimed the payments, totalling Ksh213,327,300, were made for goods and services that were never delivered.
The funds were later traced to personal accounts associated with Kidero.
Documents presented in court showed that Lodwar Wholesalers received Ksh109,574,760 while Ngurumani Traders got Ksh103,752,540.
Investigators also revealed that Kidero personally received Ksh24 million, Ksh14 million, and Ksh10 million from Lodwar Wholesalers.
He reportedly told EACC officers that the money was for the purchase of a Range Rover, which was later found registered in his name.
The trial, which began in 2019, experienced several delays as the defence filed applications to halt or postpone proceedings.
However, in August 2021, the court declined to adjourn the matter, insisting that the hearings continue despite challenges raised by the defence.
Elsewhere, in a separate matter, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had accused Kidero of tax underpayment amounting to Ksh680 million for the years 2011 to 2015.
The High Court previously ordered him to pay Ksh423 million, ruling that he failed to demonstrate that the funds in question were purely campaign donations.
In 2023, Kidero reached a settlement with KRA, agreeing to pay Ksh19.99 million, comprising principal tax, penalties, and interest, while the remaining Ksh407.7 million was waived.
