DPP Opposes Fraud Suspect’s Bid to Regain Passport, Citing Risk of Fleeing Justice
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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has strongly opposed an application by Honey Khatwani — a former director facing a Sh356 million fraud charge — seeking the release of his passport, citing fears that he may attempt to flee the country to evade justice.
Appearing before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, the prosecution argued that the accused has failed to present any valid basis for the court to reconsider its earlier directive requiring him to surrender his travel documents.
“The accused has not established any change of circumstances warranting the review of the bail terms as sought,” said the DPP. “It is in the interest of justice and public interest that the prayers sought by the accused be declined.”
The prosecution further maintained that Khatwani has not submitted credible evidence to demonstrate he is required to travel to India on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for a 20-day official business engagement. They argued that such a request amounts to asking the court to revisit and alter its own bail conditions, set with full knowledge of the accused’s professional obligations.
“The accused was, at the time of plea, already aware — or ought to have been aware — of his business travel needs. As the same was not raised during plea, it cannot be considered a new fact or a change in circumstance,” the DPP added.
In his application, Khatwani, through his lawyer Kennedy Echesa, insists that the request is made in good faith and that he has no intention of absconding.
“My client is a first offender, and the prosecution will suffer no prejudice if the accused’s passport is released,” argued Echesa. He added that Khatwani must travel to India on August 2 for 20 days to attend to essential business matters, which form his primary source of livelihood.
Magistrate Alego is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on August 11, 2025.
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