Salim Swaleh, the Director of Press at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, along with five others, has been released on cash bail of Ksh.400,000 each in connection with a case of suspected fraud and abuse of office.
The decision was made on Wednesday by Magistrate BenMark Ekumbi at the Milimani Law Courts, who directed that the accused report to the Investigating Officer weekly and surrender their travel documents. They have also been warned against interfering with witnesses.
The court found no compelling reasons to deny bail, noting that investigations could proceed while the accused are out. The prosecution’s application to detain the suspects for 14 days was deemed without merit.
The suspects, including Otieno Japolo Michael, Terry Kemunto Sese, Daniel Omondi Gogo, John Musundi Wabomba, and James William Mokoha, were arrested following allegations of fraudulently inducing foreign nationals from Dubai and South Africa to secure a tender for constructing two stadiums for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The accused allegedly promised that the complainants would meet with high-level government officials from the Ministries of Sports, Interior, and Youth Affairs to facilitate the tendering process, intending to defraud them of over Ksh.5 million as a registration fee.
Despite the serious allegations, no formal charges have yet been filed against the suspects, who are being investigated for conspiracy to commit a felony, attempted fraud, impersonation of public officials, and abuse of office. Investigations are ongoing, with the authorities planning to gather further statements and verify company details from the UAE.
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