By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant ruling by the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court, Simon Titus Yandi, the Director of Swift Tracing and Company Limited and a private investigator, has been convicted for soliciting and receiving a bribe from a businessman.
Yandi allegedly accepted the bribe with the intent to avoid charging Chege with offenses related to the sale of counterfeit books.
“The court heard that he received a bribe of Ksh.30,000 from Peter Rukuwa Chege a businessman trading in academic books with the intent that he would not charge him with offences related to the sale of alleged counterfeit books,” stated the ODPP.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Yandi had been contracted by Brand-ID Technologies Africa to conduct surveillance, investigation, and identification of counterfeit suppliers and booksellers infringing on the rights of the Kenya Publishers Association.
However, the court learned that even after his contract with Brand-ID Technologies had expired, Yandi continued to solicit bribes under the guise of performing surveillance activities.
In addition to the bribery charges, the court also found Yandi guilty of mutilating currency, which is contrary to Section 367A of the Penal Code.
According to Prosecuting Counsel Linda Otieno, Yandi tore six notes, each with a denomination of 1,000 Kenyan shillings, which were part of the Ksh. 30,000 used as evidence in the investigation under the Bribery Act No. 47 of 2016.
“Court also found him guilty of mutilating currency contrary to section 367A of the penal code.Prosecuting Counsel Linda Otieno informed the court that the accused person tore six notes all denomination of 1,000 Kenya Currency being part of Ksh.30,000 that was being used as exhibits in an investigation under the Bribery Act. No 47 of 2016,” the ODPP explained.
Principal Magistrate Isabellah Barasa ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt after calling fifteen witnesses to testify against the accused.
The sentencing is set for Monday, following Prosecuting Counsel Linda Otieno’s request for additional time to present Yandi’s prior offense record, which could impact the final judgment.
Following the conviction, Principal Magistrate Isabellah Barasa revoked Yandi’s bond and ordered his remand in custody until sentencing.