By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER
The woman who allegedly linked Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and his brother Abubakar Ali Joho to drug trafficking and theft of Ksh 40 billion has been identified as Matilda Maodo Kinzani. After failing to appear in court as initially ordered, Kinzani, a senior employee of Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd (now Bulk Stream), requested through her lawyer, Michael Oloo, to have her arrest warrant lifted. Her lawyer cited health reasons for her absence in court.
Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo granted her release on a bond of Ksh 700,000 with a surety, or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 300,000. Kinzani is facing charges of publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
She shared information on social media, particularly WhatsApp, alleging Joho’s involvement in criminal activities. In her defense, Kinzani claimed that she believed the information to be credible at the time of sharing. However, police detectives suspect that this was part of a larger scheme to tarnish the reputation of Joho, especially after his appointment as Cabinet Secretary.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if Kinzani acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort to damage Joho’s character.