Bungoma Court adjourns graft case against former Nzoia Sugar Company boss

The hearing, which was scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, stalled after one of the accused persons, Benson Khwatenge, failed to appear in court due to medical reasons. 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had lined up two witnesses, detective Abraham Kemboi and former Nzoia Sugar MD Saul Wasilwa, to testify in the case. 

Following the absence, Senior Principal Magistrate Josephat Gichimu postponed the proceedings to October 22, 2025.

The multi-million shilling graft case dates back to 2018 and revolves around alleged fraudulent activities by senior managers at the sugar company during Wanyonyi’s tenure as managing director. 

According to the Commission, Wanyonyi is charged alongside Benson Khwatenge Wafula (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 former MD is accused of authorising payments for fictitious claims from the company’s bank account, resulting in a loss of Ksh.8.2 million when he served as Finance Manager.

Wekesa allegedly processed unauthorised payments amounting to Ksh.6.7 million, while Onyango is accused of approving payments worth Ksh.1.4 million without proper authorisation.

Wakhungu, on his part, is alleged to have sanctioned fraudulent payment vouchers, leading to a loss of Ksh.7.7 million.

Other suspects, such as Juma, are said to have fraudulently obtained Ksh.112,420, claiming it was used for meals for company guests.

Kenneth Wafula allegedly pocketed Ksh.98,500 meant for farmers’ lunch expenses and an additional Ksh.122,000 purportedly for visitors’ entertainment and meals, authorising petty cash vouchers for both amounts. 

Juliet Ng’ang’a is accused of authorising a petty cash voucher worth Ksh.134,225 under the guise of settling company expenses.

Additionally, Benson Wafula is alleged to have authorised fictitious payments leading to a loss of Ksh.7 million.

The case will now resume in October when the prosecution is expected to present its witnesses.