A Magistrate's Court suspended the trial of Savannah Cement Chairman Benson Ndeta, pending the High Court's decision on a case challenging his prosecution.
Ndeta, who was charged last week with a Ksh 700 million bank fraud, had been in custody awaiting today's court session, where directions on his bail and bond application were expected to be issued.
However, Ndeta, through his lawyer Cecil Miller, informed the court today that orders halting his prosecution were obtained on Friday.
In light of these developments, the Magistrate's Court directed that the case be mentioned on January 30, pending the High Court's decision.
Earlier, Benson Ndeta, chairman of Savannah Clinker was released unconditionally following a High Court order that halted his prosecution and detention.
Despite the directive issued last Friday, Ndeta spent the weekend in custody before being freed on Monday.
Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe deferred a decision on Ndeta’s bail and scheduled the next mention of the case for January 30, 2025.
The businessman faces serious allegations, including defrauding ABSA Bank of USD 35 million (equivalent to Ksh 4.5 billion) while allegedly acting on behalf of Savannah Cement Limited. Charged with eight counts, Ndeta is accused of conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining security execution through pretenses, and falsifying documents.
He denied all charges, which include obtaining credit by false pretenses, unauthorized document creation, and presenting forged documents as genuine.
Represented by his lawyer, Cecil Miller, Ndeta has requested cash bail while awaiting the case’s hearing and determination. He has also shown interest in acquiring Bamburi Cement and will appear for a High Court mention on January 21, 2025, for further directions.
