The corruption case against former Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) manager Noah Oketch Oluoch has been postponed to April 1 due to the non-service of witness statements. The case was set to proceed on Tuesday at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court but was adjourned after the prosecution failed to serve all required documents.
Oluoch, who previously held a managerial position at REREC, was charged in April last year for allegedly forging academic documents to secure his job. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of forgery before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate’s Court.
According to the charge sheet, Oluoch is accused of fraudulently obtaining a salary and allowances totaling Ksh1,445,066 while employed under allegedly forged credentials. Specifically, he is alleged to have forged a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Nairobi.
Following his arraignment, Oluoch was granted bail of Ksh500,000, with an alternative bond of Ksh1 million. His trial, which has been partly heard by Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore, was set to continue this week but was delayed due to the incomplete service of witness statements.
During the court session, the magistrate noted that the typing of witness statements was still in progress. The prosecution requested an additional 14 days to finalize and serve the documents to the defense team. Consequently, the case was pushed to April 1, when it will be mentioned to confirm compliance with court directives.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address fraud and corruption in public institutions, particularly concerning the integrity of academic credentials used in securing government positions. The adjournment underscores the challenges faced in expediting such cases, as procedural lapses can cause delays in justice delivery.
As the trial progresses, the focus will remain on whether the prosecution can substantiate the forgery claims against Oluoch. If found guilty, he could face serious legal repercussions, including financial penalties and potential imprisonment. The next court session will be crucial in determining the direction of the case and ensuring compliance with judicial requirements.
