The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has urged the Court of Appeal to reject attempts by two accused persons to halt the Anglo Leasing trial, emphasizing the need for the criminal proceedings to continue without interruption.
The development follows an application by Rashmi Chamanlal Kamani and Deepak Kumar Kamani, who challenged a High Court ruling that placed them on their defence after finding that the DPP had established a prima facie case.
The duo requested the appellate court to conduct a full review of the High Court’s decision.
Through Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, the DPP opposed the application, arguing that an appellate review at this stage would prejudice the trial court and undermine its independence.
Yamina stressed that the High Court was justified in its ruling and that the matter should be determined on merit by the trial court.
“No exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated to justify a stay of the trial,” Yamina submitted, adding that procedural safeguards, including the right to remain silent, protect the accused during the proceedings.
The Anglo Leasing case involves former government officials and businessmen accused of defrauding the Kenyan government of 40 million Euros through a 2003 Supplier’s Credit Agreement meant to modernize police security equipment.
Among the accused are the late former Finance Minister David Mwiraria, former Permanent Secretaries Dave Munya Mwangi, Joseph Mbui Magari, David Lumumba Onyonka, and the Kamani family trio—Rashmi, Deepak, and Chamanlal Vrajlal Kamani.
The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division previously acquitted the accused, citing insufficient evidence.
Dissatisfied, the DPP appealed, leading Justice Benjamin Musyoki to overturn the acquittal and direct the accused to be placed on their defence. The matter is set for mention before the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2025.
The DPP’s push shows a determination to see the high-profile case proceed, signaling that legal efforts to delay justice will face firm opposition.