Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has said that his office knows all the individuals who have been mentioned in the drug trafficking case involving the notorious Akasha brothers.
“We are privy to the investigations. We know the individuals but we have to wait for the request from the US before naming anyone.” Mr. Haji told a local daily.
The Nation recently revealed that a Cabinet secretary, a governor, a top lawyer, a prosecutor, a senior detective, two judges and two magistrates are among scores of prominent Kenyans that the US Department of Justice is investigating over allegations of taking bribes from the Akashas.
It has been suggested that the CS in question could be Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
Mr. Haji said that his office will co-operate fully with the United States’ efforts to prosecute the senior government officials.
He however revealed that the Kenyans will not be secretly bundled out of the country and sent to the United States to stand trial as was done with the controversial siblings but will do so by following the extradition route and following judicial procedure.
He added that his office is still awaiting an official request from the United States government regarding individuals that Washington, DC wants to try for various offences related to the Akashas.
The request will determine what action the DPP’s office will take, and whether the named individuals will be tried in the US or locally following investigations.
” The reason extraordinary measures were taken with the Akashas was constant frustration. But at this point the Kenyan government will co-operate. We will try our best to ensure the law is followed.”
The DPP added that even if the US seeks extradition for those named in the Akasha case and the suspects petition the courts to stop the process, his office will stick to the judicial process.