Families of convicted Grace Wahungu and MP John Waluke are raising against time to save their kind from spending 69 years in jail.
The prominent Awori’s family is alleged to have raised Sh800 million to secure the freedom of their own, Grace Wakhungu, who is currently in jail after being found guilty of a corruption scandal.
On the other hand, the family of her partner in crime, Sirisia MP John Waluke has not been that lucky, with sources revealing that so far they have only managed to raise Sh250 million out of Sh727,725,562 million fine imposed by the anti-corruption court. At the sentencing on 25th June, the court Jailed Waluke for 67 years if he fails to raise the fine.
Businesswoman Grace Wakhungu was, on the other hand, handed 69 years in jail or an Sh707,725,562 million fine.
Waluke is currently serving time in Kamiti Maximum Prison while Wakhungu is languishing at Lang’ata Women Prison as they wait for the hearing of their application to be released on the bond pending appeal. The hearing is set for this Friday.
In an interview with a local daily, a member of Waluke’s family who sought anonymity lamented that their efforts to raise the fine were being frustrated by government agencies like the Kenya Revenue Authority and the anti-graft agencies which have threatened to trace the sources of money paid to secure the freedom of the MP.
Waluke’s lawyer Sam Nyaberi said they had filed an application for bond pending appeal since they cannot raise the full amount.
“We are waiting to be heard on August 7, since we applied for a certificate of urgency we expect to have directions soon,” the lawyer said.
Waluke’s lawyer noted that the appeal may take long to heard and in the process, his client may suffer prejudice.
On the other side, a source from Wakhungu’s family confirmed that despite experiencing some challenges they are in the course of securing her freedom.
Speaking to the People Dail the source said: “Sentencing of granny is not something that was taken lightly by Wakhungu’s family, both here in Kenya and Uganda. Due to the robust family network, a system was quickly formed to have the money raised without delay.
“We outdid ourselves by raising close to Sh800 million, being contribution from family members through the sale of assets locally and abroad, personal savings and ‘silent’ fund drives by friends.”
The source who cannot be identified added that they were somehow stuck since they have the amount ready but the DPP, EACC, and KRA were sending threats their way.
The source told the daily that Wakhungu’s immediate family including CS Judi and her siblings Ben Wakhungu and Susan Wakhungu had raised Sh197 million.
Grace’s nephew donated Sh 100 million while her brother former vice president Moody Awori is said to have given out a contribution amounting to 135 million.
Her billionaire sister Dr. Mary Okello donated Sh28 million.
While the friends and family of Dennis Awori, a former Kenya Ambassador to Japan are said to have raised Sh15 million.
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The family of former Ugandan MP Aggrey Awori gave out Sh 41 million.
The source also revealed that the families of Wakhungu’s brothers Hannington Awori and Prof Nelson Awori are said to have contributed Sh 93 million.
Other family members who are said to have contributed include Willis Awori, Ernest Awori, Henry Awori, and Christine Hayanga. They are said to have contributed a total of Sh54 million.
A fund drive organized by Grace Wakhungu’s family locally and abroad separately raised Sh236 million.
Wakhungu lawyer Paul Muite told the People Daily that he was looking forward to the bond application set for Friday.
