ODM MPs 'Dodge' Hate Speech Case

Two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the CORD coalition facing hate speech charges on Friday failed to appear in court for the hearing of their case.

Kilifi Women Representative Aisha Jumwa and her Busia counterpart Florence Mutua skipped the court session after being freed on bail two weeks ago.

Appearing before Trial Magistrate Stella Mutuku, their lawyer - Siaya Senator James Orengo - claimed that they were not aware that the mention of the case was set for Friday.

According to Orengo, the two lawmakers were out of town hence could not appear before the Magistrate.

Magistrate Mutuku declined to issue warrants of arrest against the MPs but directed they appear before the court on Monday next week without fail.

“I will not issue warrants of arrest now, let the accused persons voluntarily appear in court on Monday,” she stated.

Other Opposition legislators facing similar charges including Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama and MPs Junet Mohamed (Suna East) and Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba) were present for the session.

Their case, however, could not kick off without the presence of the Women Representatives.

The five lawmakers, who have since denied uttering inciteful remarks, were each freed on a Sh300,000 bail or Sh1 Million surety bond, having spent three days at Pangani and Muthaiga Police Stations.

 

 

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