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Nandi Governor Stephen Sang was on Tuesday released from police custody after spending one night behind bars.
Appearing at a Kisumu Court, the Governor was charged with malicious damage to property, incitement to violence and abuse of office following his participation in destroying one acre of tea at the Kibwari Estate in Nandi Hills.
Governor Sang denied all three charges and was released on a Sh500,000 cash bail with an alternative of Sh1 million bond.
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The court heard that the governor led residents in destroying mature tea valued at Sh2 million.
The magistrate dismissed an earlier application which sought to stop charges against the governor saying that it lacked merit.
The court set September 19 as the date when Governor Sang's case will be heard.
Dramatic arrest, Governor Sang's supporters blasted with tear gas
The Governor was arrested in dramatic fashion after his supporters invaded Kapsabet Police Station seeking to have him released without recording a statement.
Police dispersed the crowds with tear gas and Mr Sang was driven to Kisumu Central Police Station where he was booked.
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The governor justified his actions at Kibwari Tea Estate saying that he had been given the go-ahead by the National Lands Commission (NLC).