Bribery Case on Brink of Collapse After Ksh50K Evidence Vanishes—EACC Urges ODPP to Withdraw
A bribery case against a judicial officer in Chuka is hanging by a thread after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) admitted that key cash evidence mysteriously disappeared. The missing Ksh50,000, allegedly used in the bribery transaction, has now thrown the entire prosecution into disarray.
“Chain of Custody Is Compromised”—EACC Raises Alarm
In a letter dated August 8, EACC’s Upper Eastern Regional Manager Mogare Oira formally asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to reconsider pursuing the case. He cited serious concerns about how the evidence was handled.
“Due to discrepancies in regard to physical possession of the exhibit evidence in this case, the integrity and credibility of the chain of custody record is affected and will likely face legal challenges by the accused person in court,” the letter stated.
This revelation came after five prosecution witnesses had already testified. However, the fifth witness was stood down when the cash exhibit couldn’t be produced.
“The Money Is Missing”—Trial Stalls Over Vanished Exhibit
During trial proceedings, the prosecution failed to present the Ksh50,000 allegedly used in the bribery exchange. EACC admitted that the chain of custody had been broken, making the evidence unreliable.
“The money which was allegedly used in the bribery transaction could not be located,” EACC confirmed.
Without the cash, the case risks collapsing entirely. Legal experts warn that proceeding without crucial evidence could damage the credibility of both EACC and ODPP.
“Withdraw the Case”—EACC Recommends Exit Strategy
Given the compromised evidence, EACC advised ODPP to withdraw the case under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code. This provision allows a public prosecutor to drop a case before judgment, with court approval.
“As it stands, the case will collapse in court,” EACC warned. “This could paint the prosecution in a bad light,” the letter added.
The ODPP has yet to respond to the recommendation. However, pressure is mounting as public interest grows and scrutiny intensifies.
“Justice Must Be Transparent”—Public Demands Accountability
Kenyans are now demanding answers. Many are questioning how such vital evidence could vanish in a high-profile corruption case.
“If money can disappear in a bribery case, what else is being hidden?” one citizen asked.
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Bribery Case on Brink of Collapse After Ksh50K Evidence Vanishes—EACC Urges ODPP to Withdraw
