Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's powerful defence team sparked debate as notable politicians and Kenyans were left arguing about the individuals representing him.
On Monday, December 9, Sonko appeared at Milimani Law Courts with a powerful team of 12 lawyers led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Makueni MP Dan Maanzo.
Other lawyers were Nelson Havi, Cecil Miller, George Kithi, Alphonse Mutinda, Osundwa Michael and Harrison Kinyanjui.
Taking to Twitter, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina asked his followers to enlighten him on how lawyers who are also legislators should conduct themselves in such scenarios.
"My two colleagues Senator Mutula and Murkomen are appearing for Sonko. I am trying to figure this out? Is there a thin line between lawmakers and corruption allegations?
"What’s your opinion on lawyers generally? And especially in such circumstance?, Lawyers as Legislators?," Ledama questioned.
As the debate waged on on social media, former presidential aspirant, Martha Karua echoed lawyer Steve Ogolla's tweet that criticised Murkomen and Mutula for representing Sonko.
"The Senate has a special mandate to oversight counties. As a consequence, Murkomen and Mutula have no right to appear in court on behalf of Sonko. Unless they want to create a crisis of reverse oversight. The conflict of interest is massive and irreconcilable," Ogolla argued.
However, Murkomen defended himself and cited Article 96 of the Constitution which mandates the Senate to protect counties.
"What you are seeing is a coordinated assault on the counties and their governments.," Murkomen argued as quoted by Daily Nation.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi weighed in on the matter, arguing that Murkomen and his colleagues were breaking the law by representing Sonko in court.
"It's a violation of an express provision of the Consitution for a Senator of the Lower House to appear in a court and represent a client. It is unheard of. Members of the National Assembly don't appear in our courts. This shows the Senate is idle," Abdullahi opined.
Many Kenyans dragged Siaya Senator, James Orengo and his Orange Democratic Movement compatriot, Otiende Amollo into the debate, wondering why the two were not questioned for representing their colleagues.
"It's no sin when James Orengo defends Deputy Chief Justice, Philomena Mwilu. It’s a sin when Jubilee lawyers go to court to defend there own," one Ezekiel Kesendany wondered.
