NYS Scandal: 43 Suspects to Remain in Remand Until End of the Trial as Court Denies Them Bail

All 43 suspects charged over a scandal involving billions of shillings at the National Youth Service (NYS) will remain in remand until their cases are heard and determined.

This is after Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Douglas Ogoti on Tuesday denied bail to the accused persons on grounds that they're charged with Economic Crimes, which are serious offences.

"As such, bail will not be automatically granted,” Ogoti ruled. “I direct that the cases be expedited.”

Among suspects who will remain in custody is Youth Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Lillian Omollo and NYS Director-General Richard Ndubai.

In his ruling, the Magistrate said that the charges are serious and can cause loss of financial health of a country. Ogot further ruled that loss of public funds denies citizens the right to good health,food and also leads to death.

He also noted that the charges against the suspects pose a threat to peace, saying it was a reason enough to deny the accused persons bail.

During the hearing of the bail application, State counsels argued that if released on bail, the suspects are likely to interfere with investigations, evidence and witnesses in the case.

However, the defense team led by lawyer Cliff Ombeta told the court that the charges against the accused persons are bail-able and that bail is a constitutional right.