The prosecution has confirmed that they are ready to proceed with the hearing of the Sh 300 million gold fraud case against businessman Jared Otieno and 14 others.
During the pre-trial conference before trial magistrate Francis Andayi, the prosecution stated that they had supplied the defense team with the inventory and exhibits.
The defense lawyers confirmed to the court receipt of the same.
The court also directed that an application filed by the defense seeking orders to have their assets released to them to be heard on 2nd October.
Otieno is charges alongside Philip Nahashon Aroko, Robert Owiti, Ricky Ochieng, Peter Omondi, Michael Ochieng, Paul Otieno, Alice Nzisa, Joyce Ouma, Juliet Kathambi Kithinji, William Otieno Onyango, Hanington Modisa Lugaye, Madan Olwangu Onyino, Seinim Boukar, Abouna Temoua and Lokole Lokunda Albert.
They are accused of conspiring to defraud Sh 300 million from Sounthorn Chanthavong, a director of Simuong Group Company pretending to be in a genuine gold business.
In their recent application, the accused persons want the court to give them reasonable access to all the furniture, upholstery, electronic and kitchen appliances and cutlery.
The 15 accuse the Directorate of Criminal Investigations of of denying them access to this assets and possession of their property which they deem as necessities that would enable their business, Nirone Safe keeping Limited and office premises located along Kaputei road to run accordingly.
According to the affidavit by one of the accused persons, Humphrey Onyango, he says that the move by police was a surprise to them since they had not been served or made aware of any action as to repossession of their property.
“I believe this was done out of I’ll intention as the directors and I do not understand how confiscation of furniture and cutlery will aid in the investigation on this matter at any light,” says Onyango.
The property was allegedly confiscated while the accused persons were in custody awaiting to meet their bail/bond terms.
Upon inquiry from the landlord, he informed them that the DCI had made a call to him saying that they be allowed to access the premisses and take the assets without seizure notice or any documentation.
The trial will begin in November this year.
