Deepak Kamani, brother and father told to appear before EACC

NAIROBI: Efforts by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to have two brothers and their father arrested have been thwarted by the High Court.

Businessmen Deepak Kamani, his brother Rashmi Kamani and their father Chamanlal Kamani got a temporary reprieve blocking their arrest over Anglo-Leasing scandal even as seven other accused persons took plea before the magistrate's court.

High Court judge Luka Kimaru gave the trio temporary relief when he directed that the suspects should not be arrested but should appear before EACC today, then be arraigned in court.

Through lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, the trio had moved to court seeking an anticipatory bail after EACC sought to have them arrested and prosecuted over the scandal.

Under a certificate of urgency, the three wanted the court to stop their arrest, arguing that they had contested the matter before in court and that one of the suspects, Mr Chamanlal, was too old to be arrested and detained behind bars.

"My clients cannot withstand the drama that is why they are seeking for bond but they are ready to present themselves in court. They will avail themselves in court anytime the court decides," said Mr Ahmednasir.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko, however, argued that there was no drama about the Anglo-Leasing and was not opposed to the bail application if the accused are ready to appear in court.

The High Court had earlier declined to issue the orders sought by the trio until the application by the DPP was served.