Court orders unconditional release of Savannah Clinker boss Benson Ndeta

Ndeta spent the weekend in custody despite the High Court order issued last Friday.

Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe deferred the bail ruling and ordered the matter to be mentioned on January 30, 2025.

Benson Ndeta was on Friday charged with defrauding ABSA bank USD35 million (Ksh.4.5 billion), purporting to act on behalf of Savannah Cement Limited.

Ndeta was charged with eight counts among them conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining execution of a security by false pretences and uttering false documents.

He pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Ndeta who was arrested on Friday in Nairobi has also denied charges of obtaining credit by false pretenses, making a document without authority and uttering false documents.

Through his lawyer Cecil Miller, the businessman who has also expressed interest in acquiring Bamburi Cement has filed an application to be released on cash bail pending a hearing and determination of the case.

The matter before the high court will be mentioned on January 21 for further directions.