Khalwale Hires 15 Lawyers to Fight Government

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has hired 15 senior lawyers to represent him in a case that he is accused of participating in an illegal protest.

The advocates who include CORD Principal Moses Wetangula - senior advocate of the High Court - are challenging a 'riot' charge against Khalwale and his security guard Washington Mzozo who were arrested during the anti-IEBC protests on Monday.

Led by Carlestous Shifwoka, the attorneys are seeking to stop Khalwale and his aide from pleading to the charge arguing that it was unconstitutional.

According to the Senator, the charge of 'rioting after proclamation contrary to section 83 of the penal code' was first and last used in 1952 during the Mau Mau war against the British colonial forces.

However, Peter Mailenyi, a state lawyer, countered saying that the accused breached the law by participating in a demonstration even after police declared it illegal.

In a packed courtroom, Senior Principal Magistrate Samuel Wahome listened to the parties make their submissions but stated that he did not have a ready decision on whether the accused would take a plea.

"Unfortunately, the ruling is not ready. I have been held up with other court matters and, largely there was no urgency in this one since the two accused are out on bond," announced Wahome.

The court pushed the hearing to June 3 when it would make a determination on the constitutionality of the accusation and on whether or not Khalwale and Mzozo would be charged.

Senator Khalwale was arrested after leading protests in Kakamega and was taken to court the same day, but released on a Sh100,000 bail.

Read Also: VIDEO: Khalwale Muscled by Police Officers During Protests

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