Nairobi, Dec. 1 -- The State has failed in its bid to extradite former Finance Cabinet minister Chris Okemo to the United Kingdom for trial over corruption and theft of Sh1.5 billion, putting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji under fresh scrutiny.

Chief Magistrate Roseline Oganyo yesterday discharged Mr Okemo from the extradition suit after the DPP failed to adduce either oral or documentary evidence to demonstrate why the former Cabinet minister should be taken to the UK to face criminal charges in the Island of Jersey.

The magistrate's ruling was triggered by the DPP's decision dated September 20 to close the case without calling witnesses.

At the time of closing the case, the magistrate stated, the prosecutor, M...