The trial of Vital Kamerhe , Chief of Staff of President Felix Tshisekedi, resumed on 03 June 2020, with 3 key witnesses taking the stand.
Unfortunately the testimony given by the witnesses did not favour Kamerhe, as it contradicted almost everything the Chief of Staff had told the court.
Kamerhe is standing trial on charges of embezzling millions of dollars set aside by government as part of the 100 DAYS EMERGENCY PROGRAMME
The first witness to appear was Justin Bitakwira, the former Minister of Rural Development; according to Vital Kamerhe's court papers, the contract which was awarded to his co-accused Samih Jammal to build prefab houses, was approved by the former minister. Jammal's company, SAMIBO, had to build 1500 social houses for the police and soldiers at a cost of USD57 million.
But Bitakwira vehemently denied being aware of or authorising such contract.
This then forced Kamerhe to produce documents to support his claims. While acknowledging his signature on the documents, Bitakwira argued that the particular contract was about a different project that had already expired.
Next to take the stand was the Secretary General at the Department of Rural Development, George Koshi;
Kamerhe had alleged that Mr Koshi represented Bitakwira in the negotiations between the government and Jammal, over the housing contract.
Koshi however told the court that this was not true; further saying his meeting with government was in connection with providing roads for agricultural services and drinking water, as part of President Tshisekedi's 100 DAYS EMERGENCY PROGRAMME.
The last person to add to Kamerhe's troubles was the Director General for Public Procurement, Ngongo Salamu.
In his testimony Salamu dismissed the contract between SAMIBO and the Congelese government on the bases that it was irregular and did not meet procurements rules. In other words, said Salamu, the contract could not be used to disburse USD57 million to Mr Samih Jammal.
The trial will continue on Thursday 4th of June 2020.
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