Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been acquitted in a long-running KSh 213 million corruption case, marking a significant legal victory for the former county boss who has faced multiple graft-related charges since leaving office. The Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Kidero to the alleged loss of public funds during his tenure as governor between 2013 and 2017.
Delivering the ruling, Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki said the prosecution did not meet the threshold required to prove that Kidero personally benefited from or orchestrated the alleged misappropriation.
The court finds that the evidence presented was circumstantial and failed to establish criminal culpability on the part of the accused
Chief magistrate Thomas Nzyoki Kidero, who appeared relieved after the judgment, expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters who stood by him throughout the trial.
I have always maintained my innocence. Justice has finally been served. I thank God, my family, and all Kenyans who believed in me
Evans KideroThe case revolved around allegations that Kidero and several former county officials irregularly authorized payments amounting to KSh 213 million to various firms for services that were allegedly not rendered.
The acquittal comes after years of legal battles that began shortly after his tenure ended, with the former governor facing multiple corruption-related investigations.
Legal analysts say the ruling could have far-reaching implications for other graft cases involving county governments, especially on the standards of proof required in financial misconduct cases.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) indicated it would review the judgment before deciding whether to appeal.
Kidero, who has kept a relatively low political profile since 2018, hinted at a possible political comeback, saying he remains committed to serving Kenyans in whatever capacity the people deem fit.
