Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke on Thursday 1 October 2020 stated that he was innocent and was not involved in the Ksh. 297 million maize scandal that saw him being handed a 67-year sentence.
After months of being behind bars, the legislature on Thursday made his way into the National Assembly after being released on Monday 28 on a Ksh. 10 million pending the hearing of his sentence.
Waluke’s entrance brought the House to a standstill as his colleagues cheered him as he made his way into the chambers.
Waluke went on to thank everyone who stood by his side as he fought to clear his soiled name. he added that he did not steal anything.
“I have been away for months and I want to take this opportunity to thank those who stood by me. I want the nation to know that I did not steal anything,” he said.
After his release, Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji challenged the High Court’s decision to release the MP stating that his office intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.
“Take notice that the DPP, being dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision in which the court released each of the appellants on bail pending their appeal,” the notice read.
In June, Waluke was sentenced together with his business partner Grace Wakhungu or pay a fine of Ksh. 707 million. Their company Erad General Suppliers was convicted and sentenced.
The two and the company were found guilty of various offenses, each carrying sentences of between one to seven years, with varied fines all totaling to Sh707,725,562 for Wakhungu and Sh727,725,562 for Waluke.
The sentence followed a conviction after the prosecution proved the two irregularly received Ksh. 300 million from the National Cereals and Produce Board in 2004.
Both are listed as directors of Erad General Suppliers, the firm that received the payment.
