Evans Kidero Cleared in KSh 213 Million Corruption Case: Court Rules in High-Profile Trial

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been acquitted in a major corruption case involving KSh 213 million. The court cleared him of counts 1 to 17 under Section 210. Counts 18 to 35 require him to enter a defense, the ruling stated.

Kidero faced the charges alongside senior county officials Lilian Wanjiru Ndegwa, Jimmy Mutuku Kiamba and Gregory Mwakanongo. They were accused of abuse of office, dealing in suspect property and conspiracy to commit corruption-related offences.

Prosecutors alleged that Kidero received KSh 14 million on August 29, 2014 and KSh 10 million on September 11, 2014, from Lodwar Wholesalers Limited while serving as governor. They claimed he should have known the money came from corrupt sources.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) accused Kidero and his co-accused of mismanaging county funds and benefiting from irregular payments. Investigators argued the transactions violated public finance rules and harmed Nairobi County’s resources.

Kidero’s defense argued that the prosecution failed to prove he knowingly benefited from corruption. The court agreed, ruling that evidence linking him directly to the funds was insufficient. This led to his acquittal on the first 17 counts.

Legal experts say the ruling highlights the need for clear, strong evidence in corruption trials. It also underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair procedures, even in politically sensitive cases.

Kidero still faces the remaining counts, while his co-accused are expected to present their defense. The case continues to attract public and political attention, sparking debate about accountability and governance.

This acquittal is a major development in Nairobi’s political and legal landscape, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s fight against corruption.