Chinese nationals in Ksh.500K SGR bribe case to remain in custody

Three Chinese nationals were on Monday arraigned in a Mombasa court and charged with three counts of offering a bribe in order to influence an ongoing criminal investigation.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Julius Nang’ea, the three employees of China Roads and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) denied all charges.

The court heard that on November 22, 2018, at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus in Mombasa, Li Gen, Li Xiaowu and Sun Xin gave Investigating Officer Andrew Warui and his team a bribe of Ksh.500,000 so as to tilt the investigations in their favour.

On the second count, they were charged with bribing Investigating Officer Warui and his team with Ksh.200,000 on November 23 in an attempt to influence the outcome of the investigations.

On the third count, Li Xiaowu was charged with giving the Investigating Officer a bribe of Ksh.200,000 on November 23, 2018.

Also Read: 3 Chinese nationals to be arraigned over Ksh.500K bribe at SGR terminus

The accused, through their lawyer, pleaded to be released on bail saying they had submitted their passports and travel documents to the investigating officers, hence, could not flee.

They further stated that they are willing to attend all court sessions and honor all summons, as well as report to the offices of the police commander at the SGR Mombasa terminus daily.

The prosecution, however, opposed their request for bail saying they would interfere with the case since they were even arrested while attempting to bribe officers in order to manipulate investigations.

Chief Magistrate Nang’ea directed the accused to remain in custody until Wednesday or Thursday when he will deliver a ruling.