A Milimani court has officially cleared city businessman Joseph Lendrix Waswa of involvement in the fraudulent gold scam valued at 400 million shillings.
This decision was announced on September 3, 2025, by Milimani magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, who emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) holds the authority to discontinue any legal proceedings at any stage.
The ruling reflects the legal principle that allows the prosecution to withdraw from a case when deemed appropriate. In the court’s findings, it was noted that the DPP had communicated its position, indicating that the state, as the primary complainant, had no intention of pursuing the case any further.
This development led to the magistrate’s conclusion, stating that after reviewing the prosecution’s application and the evidence presented, he was compelled to discharge the first accused under section 87A of the law.
This ruling signifies a pivotal moment in the case, highlighting the discretion afforded to the prosecution in managing legal actions. Joseph Waswa was initially charged alongside several co-defendants, including Nelson Eru, Roland Johnson, Joseph Gikonyo, Alice Kavata, Ian Wekesa, Duncan Muchai, and police constable Festo Akula Wamwayi.
Following the court’s decision, the case will be revisited on September 22, when an amended charge sheet will be presented for the remaining accused individuals. This upcoming mention will provide clarity on the future proceedings and the status of the other defendants involved in the alleged scam.
