Margaret Nyakang'o: High Court Stops Prosecution Of Embattled Controller Of Budget

• Justice Chacha Mwita suspended Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o's prosecution following a case filed by West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka
• In his court papers, Mogaka claimed the arrest and prosecution of Nyakang'o was a violation of her rights
• Nyakang'o was arrested on Monday, December 4 and faces multiple criminal charges alongside 10 others in a complaint filed in 2016

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - A Nairobi court has temporarily stopped the prosecution of Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o.

On Thursday, December 7, High Court Judge Chacha Mwita suspended Nyakang'o's prosecution following a case filed by West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka.

When will Nyakang'o's case be heard?

In his ruling, Justice Mwita said the order will remain in force until May 21, 2024, when the case will be mentioned.

In his application to the court, Mogaka claimed the arrest and prosecution of Nyakang'o was a violation of her rights

“The arrest comes in the wake of her public exposes with regards to the fiscal improprieties within the running of various state arms and agencies and is a manifestation of a reaction with ulterior motive,” Mogaka claims.

Nyakang'o was arrested on Monday, December 4, and faces multiple criminal charges alongside 10 others in a case dating back to 2016.

Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Nyakang'o and 10 others are facing a variety of charges, including conspiracy to defraud KSh 29 million, operating an unlicensed Sacco, forgery, and uttering false documents.

How leaders reacted to Nyakang'o's arrest

Meanwhile, a section of Kenyans termed her arrest political following her recent statements on misappropriation of public funds.

Narok senator Ledama Olekina wondered why the police had to wait seven years to arrest Nyakan'o.

"Welcome to Kenya, where the police take action on a complaint 7 years later … only crooks can survive in a rotten system," Olekina said.

Former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame said her arrest was directly linked to her firm stand for the truth.

According to Kigame, Nyakang'o was paying the price for telling the truth about President William Ruto's government.