Over 20 civil servants and business-people have been charged in a KES 1.5 billion financial scam at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
They have denied over 100 charges of abuse of office, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime.
The trial magistrate Rose Ndombi issued a warrant of arrest against 17 suspects who did not attend court although they had been asked by the officials of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to attend court.
Prosecution did not oppose the release of the accused on bond.
The court was urged to consider seriousness of the offence.
"I urge court to take into account KES 1.5 billion was looted from public coffers while considering their bond application," the prosecutor stated.
Prosecutor said charges are very serious with harsh penalties.
The magistrate was urged to impose stringent bail.
Defense lawyers asked the court to consider health conditions of accused persons as some are retired civil servants.
The court has reserved bail ruling.
