Lawyer Cliff Ombeta Opens Up on His Illness

On Tuesday, lawyer Cliff Ombeta, opened up on his illness after failing to appear in court yet again, in the Willie Kimani murder case, forcing the court to adjourn the hearing to October 7.

Three weeks ago, he had threatened to do so, citing that he had an appointment with a specialist on the very same day (Monday).

“I am in the house. I cannot reveal the illness I am suffering from but I will tell you that I was treated at Nairobi Hospital. They could not contain what I was suffering from, and thus, referred me to a consultant operating at Doctors Plaza,” Ombeta revealed while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone.

However, Ombeta, who has enjoyed success in various murder cases, refused to answer whether or not he had a doctor’s report.

“I am not a president or public official to reveal what I am suffering from. I am on painkillers and on other drugs. I am also on bed rest. When you are unwell and your grandmother or a witch doctor is treating you, that still means you are unwell. The two cannot give you a medical document.

“The prosecution has to trust that I am sick,” Ombeta played coy.

The advocate further, angrily narrowed down on the prosecution, accusing them of using malicious tactics to have him thrown out of the case.

“If I am not well, how do they expect me to perform to my level best for my client? They are interested in my representation alone. No one else. There was a suggestion from the prosecution, that I delegate someone to hold briefly for me. I am a nightmare to them in that case. I have done my research extensively and they know I am hawk-eyed. My exclusion will be a blessing to them.

“They are inhuman. Some of them have been unwell before. Why only me? It’s so discriminating. The prosecution should focus on the public case, not me. My medical records are not part of the evidence,” Ombeta protested.

He went on to allege that his clients are well informed on the issue.

“They have full faith in me and will wait for me to recover so that we proceed. They are the ones on trial and if someone should be complaining, then it should be them, not the prosecution,” Ombeta assured.

The case is about the murder of lawyer Willie Kimani, where Ombeta is representing police officers accused of killing the advocate, his client and a taxi driver who was driving them.

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