Raila Calls for Release of Siriria MP John Waluke, Imprisoned for 67 Years for Fraud

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has called for the release of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who was sentenced to 67 years in prison for defrauding the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Arguing that Kenya Kwanza leaders who were facing charges have had their cases dropped, Odinga said Waluke should similarly be given an opportunity to vacate his charges, adding that his case is a civil matter.

“People who are charged with murder are forgiven and approved to be cabinet secretaries. Others with multi-billion corruption cases are being left to go free. But on the Azimio side, there's no justice. For example, Waluke is in jail for 67 years. It's not fair. We want Waluke freed on bond and his case dismissed," Odinga said at the burial of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa’s mother on Monday.

He claimed that it is unfair to hand Waluke, who is over 60 years old, such a hefty penalty for a civil case.

"He has been sentenced to 67 years in prison yet he is already over 60 years old. It is like jailing me for 50 years. you're letting the likes of Linturi, Gachagua and the other lady free and then jailing Waluke. Is that fair? We want Waluke to be granted bond and then have the case dismissed.”

Waluke was found guilty of defrauding the National Cereals and Produce Board of Sh297 million alongside his co-defendant Grace Wakhungu, who was sentenced to 69 years in prison.

This month, High Court Justice Esther Maina dismissed an appeal filed by the two, ruling that the charges were proven beyond reasonable doubt, and the sentence is not excessive as it is within the law.

Waluke and Wakhungu were ordered to pay their fines of Sh727 million and Sh707 million respectively, or serve the jail sentences.