The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has been granted three weeks to supply evidence to lawyers representing billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki in his tax evasion case.
Trial Magistrate Martha Mutuku gave the directive on Thursday after State prosecutors indicated unreadiness to proceed with the case.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda told the court that the documents sought are voluminous and include 10 boxes of invoices.
The prosecution team noted it had supplied some statements to the defence team but there are more pending.
Defence lawyers Cecil Miler, Benard Nzakya and Kioko Kilukumi confirmed receipt of 27 witness statements and 23 exhibits on Wednesday.
They however argued that it is upon the prosecution to supply their evidence to enable them prepare for the trial. They urged the court to direct the prosecution to supply all documents by September 20 instead of 26th as had been requested.
The defense team said it will be a miscarriage of justice if the State kept on holding the documents alleged to have been obtained some eights months when the probe commenced.
“The witness statements and other documentary evidence held by the prosecution are very fundamental to the accused and the defence lawyers in prosecution of the case,” they said.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Vincent Monda took it upon himself to supply documents by September 16.
The court directed that Prosecution ensures documents are served to the defence before September 20.
Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku, who was holding brief for Trial Magistrate Francis Andayi, further ruled that the matter be mentioned on September 26 to confirm compliance on the part of the prosecution.
