DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi.
The corruption case against former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director, Shem Ochuodho, will continue before the magistrate who has presided over it since its inception, a court at Milimani Law Courts ruled has ruled.
Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa directed that the matter proceed before magistrate Gichana, who had handled it until after the prosecution closed its case before being transferred to Kiambu.
The issue before the court was whether the matter should continue before Gichana or be taken over by another magistrate following her transfer.
At the time of her transfer, all parties in the case, including the defence, the prosecution, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, had agreed that she should conclude the matter.
However, counsel for Dr. Ochuodho later changed position and applied for the case to be heard by a new magistrate, prompting the referral of the issue to the head of station for determination.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Barasa said the case had been heard substantially by Gichana and that she was best placed to conclude it.
He noted that had she not been transferred, she would have handled the case to its conclusion, adding that allowing her to proceed with the matter would not prejudice any party.
Barasa further said that, in the interest of justice and a fair hearing, the court would request through the appropriate judicial channels that Gichana be released from her current station to return and conclude the proceedings.
Dr. Ochuodho and three co-accused persons face charges of conspiracy to defraud arising from the refinancing of a Sh2 billion debt advanced to Kenya Pipeline Company by Triple A Capital Limited during his tenure as managing director.
Prosecutors allege the transaction resulted in losses of more than Sh286 million to the state corporation.
The matter will be mentioned virtually on March 23 to confirm administrative arrangements for the continuation of the case.
[DNK-International@March 11,2026]
