Former Nairobi Governor Kidero Not Yet Off the Hook in Sh58 Million Graft Case as New Twist Emerges
The anti-corruption court has dealt a fresh twist to the long-running Evans Kidero Sh58 million graft case, adjourning the hearing to March 2026 and signaling that the former Nairobi Governor is not yet off the hook in one of Kenya’s most closely watched corruption trials.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Selesa Okore granted the adjournment but cautioned the prosecution against unnecessary delays, emphasizing that the case—filed nearly a decade ago—must be concluded promptly.
“The court expects all parties to be ready to proceed without further delays. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Magistrate Okore stated while setting the new hearing dates.
The sessions will now take place on March 18–19, 25–26, and April 14–15, 2026, giving both sides time to prepare as the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) faces increasing pressure to deliver results in high-profile graft cases.
The Heart of the Sh58 Million Graft Allegations
According to the prosecution, Dr. Evans Kidero and 12 co-accused individuals allegedly received KSh58 million from the Nairobi County Government on January 6, 2014, money that was reportedly paid to Wachira Mburu Mwangi and Company Advocates.
Investigators say the payment lacked proper documentation and bypassed lawful county financial procedures, suggesting it was part of a fraudulent scheme designed to siphon public funds.
Kidero, who served as Nairobi’s first governor between 2013 and 2017, is accused alongside former county finance officers and private contractors believed to have facilitated or benefited from the transaction.
The ODPP argues that the funds were illegally disbursed during Kidero’s tenure and that the evidence, including bank transfers and internal correspondence, points to deliberate concealment of the source and destination of the money.
Prosecution and Defense Lock Horns
While prosecutors maintain that there is a clear paper trail linking Kidero to the Sh58 million transfer, the defense insists the case is politically motivated.
Kidero’s legal team has repeatedly argued that all payments made during his term followed lawful county processes and were duly approved. They claim the allegations are part of a wider political witch-hunt aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s image.
“The funds in question were part of legitimate legal payments,” one of Kidero’s defense lawyers said in a previous court session, accusing the prosecution of “weaponizing the judicial process.”
Court Frustration Over Delays
Magistrate Okore’s ruling reflects growing judicial frustration with the slow pace of Kenya’s corruption cases involving public officials. Since its inception, the Evans Kidero Sh58 million graft case has faced numerous adjournments due to missing witnesses, document verifications, and procedural changes in the prosecution team.
Observers say the case underscores a pattern of systemic delays that often benefit well-connected defendants and weaken public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
EACC Steps Up Scrutiny
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which initiated investigations into Kidero’s finances, has expressed renewed commitment to pursuing the case to its conclusion.
“The Evans Kidero Sh58 million graft case represents an important test for accountability in devolved units,” said an EACC insider. “We must demonstrate that no individual is above the law.”
The agency is reportedly working with financial forensic experts to trace the movement of the Sh58 million and related transactions that may reveal broader networks of county-level graft.
The Bigger Picture — Corruption in Devolved Governments
Kidero’s case is part of a wider pattern of corruption scandals linked to Kenya’s devolved county governments, which have faced persistent allegations of misuse of public funds since devolution began in 2013.
Legal analysts argue that the slow resolution of such cases has emboldened corrupt officials, as protracted trials often end without convictions. The Evans Kidero Sh58 million graft case, they say, will serve as a benchmark for how future corruption prosecutions are handled.
Public Reactions and Political Fallout
Reactions to the latest adjournment have been mixed. While Kidero’s supporters welcomed the extension as “a fair opportunity to prepare,” anti-graft advocates expressed disappointment.
Civil society groups have urged the judiciary to fast-track the trial, warning that drawn-out proceedings risk eroding public faith in Kenya’s anti-corruption framework.
Social media commentary has also been fierce, with many Kenyans calling for “equal justice” and demanding accountability for all leaders implicated in graft, regardless of their political affiliations.
What Lies Ahead
With the next hearings set for March and April 2026, the prosecution will have time to finalize witness statements and present evidence tying Kidero and his associates to the disputed funds.
If found guilty under Kenya’s anti-corruption laws, Kidero and his co-accused could face hefty fines, forfeiture of assets, and prison sentences. However, the defense remains confident, insisting the charges will collapse under scrutiny.
For now, one thing is clear — Dr. Evans Kidero is not yet off the hook. The new developments mark another chapter in Kenya’s long and complex battle against corruption at the highest levels of government.