KenyagistJubilee MP Sues Junior County Officer in Billboard Drama

Jubilee MP Sues Junior County Officer in Billboard Drama

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

Kangema MP Muturi Kigano on Wednesday, January 8, sued Murang’a County deputy county secretary Kuria Thuita for pulling down a billboard he had erected during the 2017 general elections.

Speaking to kenyagist.com, a correspodent based in the area indicated that the deputy county secretary was arrested by police officers in a Murang’a hotel on Tuesday, January 7, and locked for the night at Kangema Police Station.

“We understand that the police whisked him away yesterday without the knowledge of the county government,” remarked the reporter.

A past photo of Kangema MP Muturi Kigano (Left), Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria

Appearing at the Kangema Law Courts, Thuita who was represented by five lawyers, objected to the charges, arguing that he acted as a county official and not in his personal capacity and that charging him was equal to abusing his rights as an office holder.

In a report published by the Daily Nation, one of Thuita’s lawyers Josphat Kimwere stated that the county government did not undertake the action selectively but removed all other billboards along the Murang’a-Kangema highway after drivers along the highway complained of obstruction.

Kimwere further argued that the county was at liberty to remove the campaign materials when the need arose for the public safety along the busy road.

“The complainant, MP Muturi Kigano, wants the court to protect an illegality in the first place. The Election Act gives a deadline for the removal of the campaign materials.” 

“If the charges against Mr Thuita are sustained, it will open the door for politicians to abuse the court process,” remarked Kimwere.

According to Kangema Sub-county Administrator, William Gatuku, the county government had the responsibility of ensuring motorists were protected, challenging the MP to sue the county rather than a junior official.

“The residents can bear witness that after the removal of the banners, things have changed for the better.”

“Kigano’s billboard was just one of those that were removed. There was a roundabout that needed reconstruction too and the billboard had to be affected,” indicated Gatuku.

Murang'a county deputy secretary Kuria Thuita when he appeared in court in Murang'a on January 8, 2020 charged with destroying a billboard belonging to Kangema MP Muturi Kigano.
Murang’a County Deputy County Secretary Kuria Thuita when he appeared at the Kangema Law Courtson on Wednesday, January 8, charged with destroying a billboard belonging to Kangema MP Muturi Kigano.

The prosecution, led by Rose Sempelle opposed the application by the defence to drop the case calling for the case to proceed against Thuita.

“The defence has not laid reasonable grounds to warrant the court [to stop] the plea. I have instructions from my senior to commence the case after carefully perusing the file.

“The accused is facing a criminal charge, an act he committed himself and as to whether he did so as a result of his office, those are matters that can be raised during the trial,” the prosecutor told the court.

The Senior Principal Magistrate PM Kiama rejected Thuita’s application to dismiss the case, indicating that the defence did not show enough proof to warrant the decision.

“No law has been cited to show that the suspect should not take plea. No one is above the law and I hereby order that the plea is taken,” he directed.

The judge ordered that Thuita be released on a Ksh100,000 bond and Ksh50,000 cash bail awaiting the hearing to be held on May 14, 2020, with the pre-trial hearing taking place on March 26, 2020.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest news

Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set to receive ongoing medical treatment at a hospital in the...

Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a senior member of...

'They’re Jealous of Me', Nakhumicha Over Recent Criticism

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the individuals criticising her over allegations of underperformance within...

Court Orders City Lawyer Behind Ksh 283M Scam to Refund Loot

The High Court on Thursday ordered a Nairobi lawyer to refund Ksh25 million he is accused of obtaining fraudulently. While...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

How to Buy Cryptocurrency with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

Are you a Kenyan interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa? Although direct purchases of cryptocurrencies via M-Pesa are currently...

How to Buy Bitcoin with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

Are you a Kenyan interested in buying Bitcoin using M-Pesa? While there's currently no direct way to purchase Bitcoin...

Must read

Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set...

Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you