Release Waluke: Raila Odinga Demands
Release Waluke: Raila Odinga Demands
Raila Odinga has called for the release of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who was sentenced to 67 years in prison over a maize fraud case.
On Monday, at a burial in Mumias, Odinga questioned why other members of government are having their cases dropped while Waluke remains imprisoned.
“Another issue has arisen. People accused of murder are forgiven and appointed as cabinet secretaries. Others with multibillion-dollar corruption cases are allowed to go free. Our people, on the other hand, are being persecuted. The case of Sirisia MP Waluke is a civil matter “Odinga stated.
The Azimio leader claimed it was unjust to sentence Waluke to such a harsh penalty for a civil case at his age.
“He was sentenced to 67 years in prison despite the fact that he is already over 60 years old. It’s the equivalent of locking me up for 50 years. You’re releasing Linturi, Gachagua, and the other lady while imprisoning Waluke. Is that correct? We want Waluke to be released on bond and the case to be dismissed “Odinga stated.
Waluke filed an appeal last week to challenge the 67-year sentence, which he describes as harsh and unjustified.
A three-judge bench comprised of Judges Asike Makhandia, Sankale ole Kantai, and Grace Ngenye has already been formed to hear Waluke’s appeal.
Waluke wants the Appellate Court to rule on whether payments made pursuant to court proceedings arising from an arbitral award and payments made pursuant to a garnishee order can support a criminal charge and conviction.
