Arror And Kimwarer Scandal: Rights Groups Protests Acquittal Of Henry Rotich, Demand Fresh Trial

• KHRC and Transparency International Kenya alleged political interference with judicial systems due to alleged illegal case dismissals and acquittals
• The lobby groups demanded that DPP Renson Ingonga seize the case and redirect on constitutional ways to rehandle the matter
• Additionally, they stated that the parties involved in the case, including the prosecution, former Treasury CS Henry Rotich, and eight others, be barred from holding public offices

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Human rights lobby groups have protested the acquittal of ex-Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich in the KSh 63 billion corruption case of the Arror and Kimwarer dams.

What is their opinion about the judgement?

In a joint statement, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Transparency International Kenya expressed concerns after the court's decision raised eyebrows among many Kenyans, calling on the director of public prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, to seize the case and redirect it towards its foundational principles and constitutionalism.

"The collapse of the Arror and Kimwarer case confirms the ODPP is politically captured and part of a conspiracy to defeat justice. The management of this case exemplified what can be termed 'prosecution-assisted acquittals' the prosecution mischievously outdid the defence counsel's efforts in securing the release of the suspects," they said.

According to the groups, the court's decision was politically influenced based on the purportedly consistent mishandling of high-level criminal cases, especially those with political connections.

In addition to the alleged frustrations that surrounded the case, the prosecution is accused of basing their judgement on nine testimonies against 49, sparking reactions about the credibility of the final ruling.

"The fact that the prosecution scheduled and failed to interrogate 41 witnesses who could have submitted credible evidence to win the case indicates incompetence and manipulation," the groups claimed.

KHRC wants Rotich, 8 others barred from holding public offices

KHRC demanded that Rotich and the other eight suspects who were absolved of the criminal case be prohibited from procuring government appointments.

Moreover, they demanded that the prosecutors who handled the case be relieved of their duties through any legal means.

"Former CS Rotich and the eight other suspects involved in the Arror and Kimwarer dam cases should be barred from public office appointments. Their acquittal is suspect and requires a comprehensive, independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the case thoroughly," read their statement.

Rotich gives thanks to God after victory

Following his vindication, the CS celebrated outside the court, stating the evil plans formed against him had failed.

"You know the famous African languages we have a saying that no poison can do well with no blood. There is no blood spear and there is no way so all amount of lies, poison and everything survive. So I think the devil has been ashamed and will remain permanently ashamed," he said.

He was exonerated in the corruption scandal after Magistrate Eunice Nyutu found no evidence to hold him captive in the case.

"All the accused persons, in this case, are hereby acquitted under section 210 due to lack of evidence as a result of the reckless dereliction of duty by the prosecution," magistrate Nyutu said.