A Nairobi court has granted former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa (pictured) more time to appear in court in person over the Sh39 billion fake arms case.

When the case came up for mention yesterday before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, the court was informed that Echesa was not present since he is unwell and admitted at Karen Hospital.

Echesa’s lawyers Duncan Okatch and Kirathe Wandungi produced his medical report showing that he is admitted at the hospital. They sought more time to allow his recovery before he attends court.

Further orders

The prosecution did not oppose the application by defence team requesting for one month to produce the former CS in court. The magistrate in turn granted the request and directed the case to be mentioned on April 25 for further orders.

Last month, the magistrate had granted Echesa more time after the court was told that he was bereaved and had travelled to Kakamega.

The court was informed that Echesa’s co-accused, Clifford Okoth Onyango was also not present in court because he was bereaved and had travelled to Migori. But this time he was present in court.

The High Court had overturned their previous acquittal and placed them on their defence.