President Felix Tshisékédi’s chief of staff, Vital Kamerhe, finds himself on the bench of the accused. He is accused of embezzlement of public funds. Day of trial for this politician who was the main ally of the president of the republic.
It is most important to note that this is an unprecedented trial, a first in the political history of the Democratic Republic of Congo. On Monday, 11 May 2020, Vital Kamerhe took the stand for his judgement.
He was in pre-trial detention in Kinshasa, the capital since 8 April 2020. Aged 61, the so-called “President bis” is being prosecuted together with two other people for the alleged embezzlement of more than 50 million dollars that were intended for the Head of State’s 100-day program.
Since coming to power, the fight against corruption has been a priority for President Félix Tshisekedi. This questioning and the prosecution of Vital Kamerhe is part of a vast anti-corruption investigation, a struggle that enters into the renewal of Congolese justice in the struggle and impunity of the elites since the independence of the country on 30 June 1960.
This trial is broadcast live on RTNC, the public television. The first hearing began at Makala prison. The country filed a civil suit in this case.
