Andrew Musiega, a lawyer representing Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo in a contempt case, walked out of the court case, leaving the governor stranded.
The lawyer, who was representing the governor alongside County Assembly Speaker Hasna Mudeizi, County Secretary Ezekiel Ayego, and the County Principal Legal Officer Esther Andisi, withdrew his services citing harassment.
“I wish to withdraw from the proceedings because I’m being harassed,” Musiega told High Court Judge, Farrah Amin.
The Governor made an appearance in court challenging contempt of court proceedings filed by former County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Amos Kutwa (Health), Paul Mbuni (Lands), Pamela Kimwele (Public Service), and Kenneth Keseko (Transport and Infrastructure).
The CECM’s had been impeached by the Vihiga County Assembly in June this year, and the decision effected by their consequent sacking over claims of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
They, however, challenged their removal of office in court through lawyer Geoffrey Sore, who incidentally, once served as the legal advisor to the Governor.
High Court Judge, Christine Baari, ordered that the four be reinstated. Governor Ottichilo, however, opted for the contrary and appointed other office holders.
Pamela Kimwele's position was handed to Mary Amalemba, who at the time served as the CECM for Water, while Kutwa's Health docket was put under Prof Justus Inonda, the Transport and Infrastructure executive.
The Lands department that was under Mbuni was handed to Education Executive Henry Lumbasio and the Trade docket that was under Keseko was entrusted upon Geoffrey Vukaya.
Following his lawyer’s withdrawal, Governor Otichillo consequently asked the court for more time to seek new legal representation.
“I note with a lot of apprehensions that my lawyer has decided to move out of this case yet I rely on him for legal representation. My nature of duty is so demanding that without a lawyer, I will be lost,” said the Governor.
“I, therefore, request for time to source for another lawyer to represent me in this matter of both county and national importance,” he stated.
The hearing of the case will continue on December 19, 2021.
