John Waluke, the Member of Parliament representing Sirisia, received some hope on Friday when the Appellate Court overturned his prior conviction by the High Court. Last year, Waluke had been sentenced to 67 years in prison or to pay a massive fine of Ksh1 billion after being found guilty on corruption allegations.
The long-serving legislator had worked with a co-director of a well-known company to secure a government contract. However, during the fulfillment of that contract, Waluke and his business partner were accused of defrauding the government out of Ksh313 million over 3 million in US dollars.
When Waluke attempted to appeal his harsh 67-year sentence by challenging the High Court’s ruling, his petition was promptly dismissed, seemingly sealing his fate. The father and husband would likely spend the rest of his life incarcerated over this white collar financial crime.
However, this past Friday’s decision by the Appellate Court has overturned that long sentence, offering the prominent politician a glimmer of hope. The details and rational behind the Appellate Court’s decision are not yet clear.
What is certain is that this judicial reversal has major ramifications. If Waluke’s conviction is ultimately dismissed entirely through Kenya’s justice system, he could regain his seat in parliament and return to political life.
If his conviction is upheld but his sentence reduced, the former rising star in Kenyan politics will still face jail time but perhaps not die behind bars.
This complex legal case now returns to judicial deliberations and negotiations. Waluke, his family, supporters and detractors anxiously await further details.
By Newsmedia