Arrest warrant issued against Odinga

dennis kibet

November 13, 2017 12:20 PM

Odinga was charged with disrupting IEBC training sessions, inciting violence and malicious damage.

An arrest warrant was issued on Monday against former Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga and Kisumu Senator Fred Outa after failing to appear before court.

The two had been arrested and charged with disrupting IEBC training sessions, inciting violence and malicious damage. The arrest came in the wake of several youths storming into Kisumu Huduma center and disrupting a training session for Kisumu central presiding and deputy officers. The youths wrecked chairs and tents.

The duo went missing soon after the incidents after speculations of impending arrests. They were later arrested and charged. “The suspects must immediately be charged with obstructing an election officer in executing his lawful duties contrary to section 13 (i) of the Election offences Act of 2016,” wrote Keriako Tobiko, the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Kisumu’s chief magistrate released them on a 500,000 bond but ordered no surety.

“There is no need for surety, because they are known and are required to follow the law,” said chief magistrate Julius Ngarngar.

However, the decision by the Kisumu court may have led to the laxity of them appearing before the court on Monday. Ms Odinga, Former prime minister Raila Odinga ‘s sister, had previously tried to safe guard against an arrest and court appearance by requesting for anticipatory bail. However, the high court rejected the application citing that both of them must have been physically presented for the application to be determined.

This is not the first time a high profile figure has skipped bail. Early this year, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi skipped a court hearing. The M.P’s bail was increased afterwards following his misdemeanor. The court found the MP’s reason for missing his court date unsatisfactory and consequently increased bail.

dennis kibet