The prosecution in the long-running case involving the alleged misappropriation of bursary funds in West Pokot County has revealed plans to call 90 witnesses and rely on 700 pages of documentary evidence as it prepares for trial.
The case involves four former county officials accused of irregularly handling more than Sh290 million meant for needy students between 2017 and 2022.
The state maintains that the matter is ready for hearing but says repeated legal applications and adjournments have significantly slowed progress.
According to prosecutors, the accused allegedly participated in a scheme that led to the diversion of public funds in breach of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
The accused have denied all nine charges levelled against them.
Their defence team has raised objections to the proceedings, citing a pending Court of Appeal application challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court.
They also argue that they were not furnished with the key documents required for effective cross-examination of witnesses.
In addition, the defence claims that earlier proceedings were conducted without full legal representation, raising concerns over fairness and due process.
Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga has since adjourned the matter to August 11 and 18, 2026, allowing time for the accused to pursue their appeal and for the prosecution to supply typed proceedings.
The magistrate warned that the next mention would be the final adjournment, signalling the court’s intention to proceed once outstanding procedural issues are resolved.
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The case continues to highlight the balance courts must strike between safeguarding fair trial rights and ensuring the timely determination of corruption-related cases involving public funds in West Pokot County.
By our reporter
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