At a recent British High Commission farewell function, Mrs Agnes Murgor, the Central Bank of Kenya lawyer, wondered aloud whether the people are paid, but Mr Wambua Kilonzo, one of Pattni’s lawyers, dismisses the idea of “rent-a-mob” off hand.

The trio of Hamisi, Akano and Arum have also had room enough to notice various idiosyncrasies among the witnesses, assisting counsel and the various advocates at the inquiry, in the 200-plus days that they have sat there. Says Ochieng, solemnly: “We study every-thing, every move, from our ‘chamber’ (three chairs behind the Press table). For example, we have noticed that Mr Pattni only greest Dr Kuria, and that Kuria stays bent (hunched) over his desk until business (commences). His only friend on that long lawyers desk appears to he Dr Khaminwa.” The three men are impressed by Mois lawyer, Mutula Kilonzo for producing documents that revealed foreign accounts Pattni had, lawyer Pravin Bowry for his “aggression” and Mr Cecil Miller for his ‘calmness and professionalism.’

The hawk-eyed trio has also taken note of the personal dynamics between the lawyers. ‘While Doctors Kuria and Khaminwa keep to themselves, Mutula Kilonzo is friendly to everyone. Fred Ojiambo, Cecil Miller and Mrs Agnes Murgor seem to share a very congenial relationship, while Professor Saitoti’s lawyer, Pheroze Nowrojee, kept to himself.”