The hearing of a corruption case involving former Nzoia Sugar Company Managing Director Godfrey Sifuna Wanyonyi and seven other senior officials has been postponed by the Bungoma Anti-Corruption Court, reports The Standard.
The case, which was expected to wrap up with testimony from the final two witnesses—EACC investigator Abraham Kemboi and former Nzoia MD Saul Wasilwa—could not proceed after one of the accused, Benson Khwatenge Wafula, failed to appear in court, citing illness.
His lawyer informed the court that Wafula was unwell and presented medical records to support the claim. He asked the court to set a new date for the hearing.
“My client is seriously ill. I have brought his medical documents to court today. We were ready to continue, but due to his condition, we are requesting another date,” the lawyer told the court.
Senior Principal Magistrate Josephat Gichimu agreed to the request and rescheduled the matter for October 22, 2025.
“The case is adjourned to October 22, 2025. We had planned two days for the hearing, but we cannot proceed today because one of the accused is unwell,” Magistrate Gichimu said, adding that only two witnesses remain to testify.
The case, dating back to 2018, involves allegations that top managers colluded to defraud the company of Sh11 million during Mr Wanyonyi’s tenure as managing director.
Those charged alongside Wanyonyi are Khwatenge (company secretary), John Wanyonyi Wekesa (chief cashier), Kenneth Onyango Omwago (cashier), Benson Sitati Wakhungu (internal auditor), Robert Vincent Juma (auditor), Kenneth Wafula Wanjala alias Mukombozi (administrator), and Juliet Ng’ang’a (clerk).
The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit an economic crime, abuse of office, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds. Prosecutors allege the funds were siphoned off through irregular payments and fictitious transactions.
