Former embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has suffered a huge blow in court on Tuesday, March 16, after all the six lawyers representing him quit the Ksh10 million graft case.
Among the lawyers include veteran lawyer John Khaminwa and Assa Nyakundi. The reports were confirmed by a source from Khaminwa's office.
"Yes, all the lawyers including Khaminwa have withdrawn from the case," the source who sought anonymity stated.
Reports indicated that the lawyers accused magistrate Douglas Ogoti of unfairness arguing that they had not being given enough time to gather evidence from Sonko's previous lawyers.
Sonko had fired his initial legal team in early February and appointed a new team led by Khaminwa to preside over the case.
Further, Khaminwa questioned the absence of the media within the case yet it is a public trial. He added that the trial was being conducted contrary to the law and constitution.
The news comes as Magistrate Douglas Ogoti had summoned Sonko to appear in court after medical reports showed that Sonko was responsive.
Khaminwa had presented in court medical reports from Aga Khan hospital which showed that Sonko needed bed rest and hence would be unable to stand trial.
However, this was disputed by reports from Kenyatta National Hospital which showed that Sonko was responding well to medical tests.
"In any case, the condition of the accused had changed, permission should have been sought to seek a further report from the same doctors who in the eyes of the court are independent.
"From what has been outlined, the court has come to the conclusion that no sufficient material has been placed before it, to convince that the accused is unable to attend the court,” said Ogoti.
