Source: Kenyans.co.ke

Embattled Sirisia MP John Waluke on Thursday, October 1 appeared in Parliament for the first time since being jailed in June and shared his experience in jail.

Waluke was released on Monday, September 28 on a cash bail of Sh10 million pending appeal of his jail sentence on the fraud involving Sh297 million.

The MP revealed that he gathered a wealth of experience while in prison and reminded MPs that some of their constituents are in jail for flimsy offences.

Grace Wakhungu (left) and Sirisia MP John Waluke (right) in court in June 2020FILE

“I want to thank all the members of this house who stood with me during the difficult time that I had. I want to let members know and the nation that I did not steal.

“I’ve learned that there are prisoners in prison who have been jailed, some without any mistakes, some with petty offences with fines as low as Ksh. 1,000 and Ksh. 2,000,” said Waluke.

His return caused a stir as Nominated MP David Sankok was forced to apologise for clapping his hands and in defence noted that he was physically challenged and could not use his legs.

The Legislator was jailed after being found guilty in a multi million shilling scandal with National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Waluke who was the director of Erad Supplies and General Contractors made a false invoice worth Sh114,600,000 as evidence to support a maize storage claim by Chelsea Freights.

The MP was in custody for almost four months and was released after Commissioner General of Prisons Wycliffe Ogallo revealed that Waluke has hypertension.

He is however not out of the woods yet as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge High Court’s decision to release Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu.

Waluke and Wakhungu were slapped with a combined fine of Ksh2 Billion. In default, Wakhungu was handed a 39-year sentence while Waluke was slapped with a 34-year sentence.

Sirisia MP John Waluke and Grace Wakhungu in court.