Lawyers representing political activist Nuru Okanga have called for the summoning of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to testify in a defamation case against President William Ruto.
Okanga is facing several charges, including publishing false and defamatory information on social media and further making threatening remarks targeting the Head of State.
In a video shared during the hearing, Okanga is alleged to have challenged the former DP to take violent action against Ruto by shooting him, sentiments which resulted in the lawsuit.
Nuru's defence team, led by Abner Mango, Shadrack Wambui, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, now want the former DP's appearance in court as a key witness in the ongoing case.
While addressing the press on Tuesday, November 25, Wambui revealed that the defence team had applied to have Gachagua summoned, arguing he is the only person who can clarify whether he ever served as a District Officer and had firearm training.
They also demanded his summoning before the court to clarify his take on Nuru Okanga's sentiments on whether he treated them as serious or simply humorous.
"We have requested the court to issue a summons so that the prosecution can be compelled to present the former DP to give an account as to whether he was previously employed as a DO, and whether he learnt how to use a firearm," said Lawyer Wambui.
He went on to add, "We want to understand from the former DP whether he understood the words alleged by Nuru Okanga as serious."
Addressing the press outside the courtroom, the lawyers also called for Ruto's summoning to confirm whether he personally heard the alleged remarks being made by Nuru and whether he felt threatened by them.
Commenting on the matter, Babu Owino said the defence was satisfied with the proceedings, claiming the case is “already won” and urging the State to stop pursuing what he termed frivolous charges.
"We also request that President William Ruto be available as a prosecution witness to tell us whether he heard Nuru Okanga instructing his former DP to shoot him," lawyer Wambui stated.
The case was heard yesterday, with Nuru Okanga's lawyers cross-examining the prosecution witnesses. However, the case is expected to continue from January 20, next year.
