Henry Rotich, Kenya’s former Treasury Cabinet Secretary, has sued the government, seeking nearly 3 billion Kenyan shillings (about $19 million) in damages. He claims that his 2019 prosecution over a corruption scandal destroyed his career, health, and family life.

Rotich, 55, was once among Kenya’s most powerful officials, managing the country’s finances and enjoying the privileges of high office. That changed in July 2019, when he was charged in connection with the Kimwarer and Arror dams corruption case—a scandal that rocked the government of then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Though he was acquitted in December 2023, Rotich says the ordeal left lasting scars.

“I lived in constant fear of imprisonment. Sleepless nights and anxiety became my daily reality,” he said in court papers.

He claims the false charges cost him job opportunities, financial stability, and personal dignity, making it impossible for him to continue his career as an economist or secure consulting work.

A Life Upended
Before his arrest, Rotich had built a career spanning 25 years, working for the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Kenya, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But after being charged with 19 counts of corruption and fraud, his world fell apart.

His bank accounts were closed, his family faced public humiliation, and his children had to transfer schools to escape taunts. His home in Eldoret was even raided by thieves, who, he says, believed he was hiding stolen money.

“The charges made my family a laughing stock,” Rotich stated.

His eldest son’s school performance declined, and his elderly parents also became targets of criminals. In 2022, their home was attacked by robbers demanding a briefcase they believed contained illicit funds.

Seeking Justice
Rotich is now demanding compensation from Kenya’s Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. His lawsuit claims the prosecution was politically motivated, pointing out that several key figures involved in the dam project were never charged.

He alleges that investigators fabricated evidence to protect more senior officials and forced his former colleague, now Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge, to testify against him in exchange for having his own charges dropped.

The former minister is seeking:

• 850 million KSh for emotional distress and reputational damage
•  106 million KSh for lost income, legal fees, and missed business opportunities
•  30 million KSh for medical expenses related to stress and health deterioration
• 950 million KSh for career damage and missed international job offers
• 900 million KSh in punitive damages to prevent similar cases in the future                                                                                                          “The prosecution was malicious and reckless,” Rotich stated, accusing the government of using him as a scapegoat.

His legal battle highlights the long-term consequences of high-profile corruption trials, particularly when they end in acquittal. While the case unfolds, Rotich, who now works in farming and private business, says he is still waiting to be fully cleared and given a chance to rebuild his life.