Top Kenya Figures Sent To Court On Corruption Charges

Four former senior government officials and three businessmen were sent to court on Wednesday for alleged involvement in a major corruption scandal in Kenya.



Former finance minister Chris Obure, who had served under former President Daniel Arap Moi, three former secretaries and three businessmen face charges of involvement in a multimillion euro scandal known as the "Anglo leasing scandal."



The scandal is believed to have started when Kenya was gearing up to revamp its passport printing system.



Some government officials were alleged to have awarded contracts to ghost firms in Europe, causing the loss of over 30 million euros.



The tender was awarded to a British firm called Anglo Leasing Finance at $33 million.



A travel ban was issued against the seven defendants on Wednesday, according to the Director of Public Prosecution Keraiko Tobiko.



"This matter has been investigated for a long time," Tobiko said. "The seven who have been accused have cooperated with investigators," he added.



The seven defendants have denied the charges against them and were released on a bail of $10,975.



On Wednesday, the court also issued arrest warrants against two other suspects in connection with the same case, namely Brian Mills and Bradley Birkenfeld.



A total of 13 individuals and three companies are set to appear in court to answer charges concerning the Anglo-leasing scandal.



The identities of the remaining six individuals are yet to be disclosed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.



Another hearing on the case is scheduled for March 13.



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