DNK International By John Asango.
Top chief executive officers drawn from three National banks have escaped prosecution in Sh400 million after a superior court issued a conservatory order halting a magistrates court from permitting them in taking plea in a criminal case levelled against them by the office of the director of public prosecution.
The trio, Paul Risso of Kenya commercial Bank, Gideon Muriuki of cooperative bank of Kenya and John M Gachore of NCBA were supposed to appear before Milimani chief Magistrates court today (Tuesday,August) however there counsel’s presented High court orders stopping there appearances and subsequent plea taking.
The defence lawyers Kamau Karuri, and Waweru Gathonye told chief Magistrate Gethi Kibiru that the proceedings before him have been halted.
They said the conservatory orders were issued on August 7, 2026 by Justice Martin Muya in respect of NCBA CEO Gachore and justice Gregory Mutai in favour of Mr Russo of KCB and Muruki of cooperative bank of Kenya.
The CEO’s were to be charged alongside Sallim Mohamed who is a director of first assurance investment limited who has since pleaded not guilty in a record of more than 100 counts.
The accused was released on a cashbail of Sh3 million and given an alternative bond of 10 million plus one surety.
The trial court was told by the prosecution that the conservatory order issued in favour of Cooperative bank CEO and his counter part of NCBA have not been received in the office of the ODPP.
The defence lawyers assured the court that they will confirm the same has been served and urged the court to mention the matter tomorrow August 12, to confirm compliance.
[DNK-International@August 11,2026]
