Deputy Speaker Freed After Witnesses Fail to Testify

The Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji, on Friday, suffered a major blow after witnesses refused to testify against Nakuru Deputy Speaker, Samuel Tonui.



Tonui had been charged over the deadly clashes in the Eastern Mau that rocked Nessuit and Mauche on September 2018.



Resident magistrate Yvonne Khatambi allowed the DPP's application to drop the matter citing lack of sufficient evidence.



The Investigating officer, Joseph Njogu, supported the withdrawal of the case in a sworn affidavit.

He stated that those who accused Tonui of inciting residents against leaving the forest refused to record statements with police.



“None of the witnesses who made the claims is willing to record a statement. The claims formed the basis of the institution of the case against Tonui. In the premise, do withdraw the charge against him under section 81 (a),” read part of the letter.



The deputy speaker was charged alongside four others with promoting violent strife between the Kipsigis and Ogiek communities in Njoro.



It is reported that at least six people were killed and dozens injured.



The accused include Njoro Constituency Development Fund chairman William Kipkemboi Langat and Nessuit assistant chief Joseph Ruto Lesingo.



However, on December 19, 2018, Tunoi's lawyer Kipkoech Ng’etich urged Resident Magistrate Khatambi to acquit him, claiming the case was politically motivated.

The Nakuru Deputy governor was set free on Friday.

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