I wish this case was delayed until Willy Mutunga had been confirmed!

Not always. Bernie Madoff got 150yrs, Enron and Martha Steward didn't get away with it but if they were Kenyans they'd be laughing all the way.... But Kenya is special, imagine the pyramid schemes masterminds are still kulaing maisha!

Controversial, I admit, but I've always harboured the belief Chris Kirubi was a public lynch pin in Uchumi's demise.

Yes yes I know about his related business transaction claims, and Bottlers/Hacco being paid earlier than regular suppliers, and the CEO who was related...

But I believe it was easier to blame him than accept true story of harsh battleground at the time:
1. Expansion was necessitated by entry of competition
2. Uchumi always had healthy reserves making it senseless to borrow, at first glance anyway
3. He was always personally invested (shares, reputation) making him top of line in case of losses

4. When thinks became difficult, Kirubi made strong moves to source experienced foreign partner, which was unfortunately vetoed as it was said he'd benefit most
5. Kirubi was hounded out as Chairman a full 2 years before bankruptcy. It was open knowledge of hostile relations with board, who carried the day, for almost full year before his exit.

6. Can't forget the Staff who pilfered their employer to early demise.
7. Boy did you see how Sameer fleed the scene after getting preview of the murky waters


Okay okay, I'm not saying he does not bear ANY responsibility, just that he's given a whole lot more than he deserves - so thinks the court today at least.

The Board of Directors and CEO and staff at the time, take the bigger pie in my book. Weren't they paid from 2004-2006? Who pitched the 2005 rights issue? financial advisors, auditors... Culpable!

what are your expected share price??

you don't jail someone who impacts +vly and notably to the economy.

Judges determine cases on the basis of arguments put forward in court.
If the prosecution argued that Kirubi did not follow the procurement procedures as stipulated for public corporations and the defence argues that the charges are defective, then who do you blame.
I guess all that Kirubis lawyer was saying is that Kirubi was not bound by the corporations strictures.

If or not Kirubi defrauded share holders is a different matter altogether.

Kenyans never stop amazing anyone, do we really have to compare our failures to those of the US and wallstreet but intentionally decide that we are not comparing the US success to our success? Yes US have fail in some avenues which included the credit crisis case but their success overweigh their failures so it is absurd to see a fellow Kenyan trying to justify our constant failures to US occassional failures, atleast they still have a moral commitment to take care of their people, something we do not have, if the kenya of tommorrow will be build by people who, just like our leaders, cannot take responsibility but instead find ways to excuse everything including pointing a figure to a country whose wealth feed and protect its people and Millions around the world, then we're doom.

it is getting quite heated up in here...!