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 Hearing of a corruption case against former National Land Commission (NLC) chairman Muhammad Swazuri and 16 others was yesterday adjourned over small court space.

Trial Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi raised concern that the available space could not accommodate the parties as proceeding with the hearing would breach health guidelines of 13 people per session.

He observed that the available tent could hold everyone while adhering to the Ministry of Health guidelines on social distancing.

“It is unfortunate that the court space is not enough to accommodate everyone.

I do not want to put at risk the health of the parties. l, therefore, adjourn the matter to September 28,” directed Mugambi.

The case could also not proceed since one of the accused, Elijah Nyamu, is said to have been admitted at Mater Hospital.

However, State Counsel Jacinta Nyamosi had lined up two witnesses; Dr Clement Elenashuru and Bernard Nzao.

Swazuri had been accused of abuse of office and plotting to defraud taxpayers by approving colossal payments for five parcels of public land.  

He has two different corruption cases. In the second one, he was charged with conspiracy to steal Sh109 million alongside other NLC top officials.