Deputy Chief Justice Mwilu arraigned in court, freed on bond (Pictures)

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was swiftly arraigned and released on Sh5 million bond and ordered to appear in court tomorrow at 9 a.m together with her co-accused Stanley Muluvi. 

She faces abuse of office and tax evasion charges.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi, the DCJ was represented by a battery of lawyers among them James Orengo and John Khaminwa.

Others were, Daniel Maanzo, Julie Soweto, Millie Odhiambo, Okongo Omogeni, Peter Kaluma,  Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and Anthony Oluoch.

DCJ Philomwena Mwilu consults with her lawyers at Milimani magistrate court where she was arraigned hours after her arrest.  [Courtesy]

She was this afternoon arrested outside the Supreme Court and then taken to DCI headquarters in Kiambu.

DCJ Mwilu is accused of;

• Obtaining execution of a security belonging to Imperial Bank Limited by false pretense.  
• Abusing her office for personal gain.
• Accepting a gift in the form of money in circumstances which undermined public confidence in the integrity of her office.
• Unlawful failure to pay taxes.
• Conducting herself in disregard of the law.

Charge sheet produced in court against DCJ Philomena Mwilu. [Standard]

Indicating the gravity of the case, was the rare decision by DPP Noordin Haji to call a press conference where he briefed reporters on the arrest.  

DPP said that it was about time Kenyans got justice seeing as the “country is being torn apart by people placed in positions of trust but who in turn abuse this trust.”

He also insisted that his office was independent and the decision to arrest the Deputy Chief Justice was not pegged on any political inclinations.

Her co-accused Stanley Muluvi's charge sheet. [Courtesy]