State Opposes Khatwani’s Bid for Passport Release in Sh356M Fraud Case
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By Dennis Wanyonyi
The prosecution has opposed an application by former director Honey Khatwani, charged in a Sh356 million fraud case, seeking the release of his passport.
In an application filed before magistrate Dolphina Alego, the prosecution argued that the accused has not provided any basis to justify the release of the passport, nor has he demonstrated any change in circumstances that would warrant a review of his bail terms.
“It is in the interest of justice and public interest that the prayers sought by the accused be declined,” said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the response.
The DPP informed the court that Khatwani has not produced evidence showing he is required to travel to India on Saturday, August 2, 2025, or for the 20 days he claims are needed for essential business engagements.
The prosecution further argued that such a request is akin to asking the court to review its own bail orders without new grounds.
At the time of taking a plea, the accused was or should have been aware of any potential business travel needs, the DPP said. Since this was not raised during the plea, it cannot now be considered a new fact or change in circumstances.
In his application, Khatwani, through his lawyer Kennedy Echesa, claimed the request was made in good faith, noting that he is a first-time offender and that the prosecution would suffer no prejudice if his passport was released.
“My client is required to travel to India on August 2, 2025, for 20 days for essential business, which is his primary source of livelihood,” Echesa told the court.
Magistrate Alego is set to deliver a ruling on the application on August 11
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