Kenya: Drama in Butere court
Posted by africanpress on July 3, 2009
BY JEFF OTIENO
There was a drama in Butere court in a case which Mumias legislator Ben Washiali has been charged over incitement.
Lawyers representing the 5 accused protested to the presiding magistrate and stage a walk out over what they termed “lack of fairness”.
The case which had earlier been adjourned in 25th May 2009 during the first hearing was being heard this week 3rd July 2009 and all the five witnesses, and five accused persons were present.
Drama ensued in the parked tensed court when the presiding senior resident magistrate Benard Ondego declined an appeal by the defense lawyers arguing that they were apprehensive that they won’t get a fair trial in the case.
The defense further argued that they had grounds which they had forwarded to the Attorney Generals’ office indicating instances justifying their grounds of fear.
The prosecution objected to their grounds saying that it was a ploy to delay the due process and it was also tantamount to abuse of the law.
Acting in person with nowhere to lean on, the besieged Mp Ben Washiali requested for an adjournment which was granted by the magistrate and was slated for 10th August 2009.
Earlier, the other accused persons almost caused laughter and confusion when they became emphatic that they didn’t instruct Lawyer Najil Kundi to act for them.
Beleaguered Washiali among other accused, were alleged to have incited farmers against the Management of the Mumias Sugar Company early this year.
Mumias Sugar Managing Director Evans Kidero who is also one of the witnesses in the case was present.
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