The High Court in Nairobi has overturned the acquittal of seven individuals implicated in the infamous Anglo Leasing scandal, directing them to be put on their defence. The move marks a pivotal turn in the protracted case involving allegations of grand corruption and abuse of office.
Justice Benjamin Musyoki of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division delivered the ruling, aligning with the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) appeal that challenged the earlier acquittal. The court found merit in the prosecution’s argument that the evidence presented during the trial had not been adequately assessed.
The accused former Finance Minister David Mwiraria (now deceased), Dave Munya Mwangi (former PS in the Office of the President), Joseph Mbui Magari (former PS, Ministry of Finance), and David Lumumba Onyonka were senior government officials at the time of the scandal. Also charged are businessmen Rashmi Chamanlal Kamani, Deepak Kumar Kamani, and Chamanlal Vrajlal Kamani, who are alleged to have played a central role in the financial scheme.
The group is accused of conspiring to defraud the government of Kenya of Ksh.5.9 billion through a fraudulent Supplier’s Credit Agreement for the modernisation of police equipment between October 2003 and April 2004. The Kamani family is further charged with siphoning Ksh.117 million from the Ministry of Finance through offshore entities Apex Finance Corporation Ltd and Apex Finance International Corporation Ltd—based in Switzerland.
In addition to conspiracy to defraud, Mwiraria, Mwangi, Magari, and Onyonka face charges of abuse of office and violations of procurement procedures. During the initial trial, which concluded with their acquittal in January 2024, the prosecution presented 37 witnesses. However, the court at the time ruled that the evidence was insufficient to secure a conviction.
The prosecution promptly appealed on January 29, 2024. Justice Musyoki’s ruling now revives the case, compelling the accused to respond to the charges in court.
The matter is scheduled for mention before the Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2025. The case remains one of Kenya’s most emblematic corruption trials, with significant public interest and implications for accountability in public service.
