Kiambu Court Deals Blow to DPP as Application to Detain Chinese Investor Chen Chao Gets Dismissed

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has faced a significant setback as a Kiambu court dismissed their application to have businessman Chen Chao detained. City lawyer Danstan Omari, representing the accused, argued that the DPP’s application lacks merit and should not be allowed.

In its ruling, the court issued several orders, including prohibiting the police from harassing or arresting the respondent until the matter is heard and determined. Additionally, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution was directed to notify the Ugandan government through Interpol that the accused will not leave the country until the case is resolved.

Furthermore, the Director of Public Prosecution was instructed to extract proceedings before the 14th of December. Failure to do so would result in the automatic lapse of the case, leading to the return of the respondent’s passport. This directive emphasizes the need for timely legal proceedings.

In this case, the Office of the Director of Prosecution sought court orders to cancel the bond and bail of Chen Chao, a Chinese investor, and instead issue custodial orders for the respondent’s detention. Chen was apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by immigration officials while en route to Uganda.

The court’s decision reflects a careful consideration of the arguments presented, and the issued orders aim to ensure a fair and just legal process while respecting the rights of the accused individual.