Joshua Waiganjo's trial fails to kick off after he claimed to be unwell

By FRED MAKANA

Nairobi, Kenya: The trial of two senior police officers John Mbijiwe and Micheal Remi Ngugi who are charged with abuse of office on Monday failed to kick off for the second time after alleged police imposter Joshua Waiganjo claimed to be unwell.

State Counsel Ms Oundo told acting chief magistrate Doreen Mulekyo that she was ready to proceed with seven witnesses but was cut short by Waiganjo’s lawyer Charles King’ori who sought for an adjournment to allow his client to go for medical attention in Nakuru. King’ori informed the court that the trial could not proceed as his client was expected in Nakuru for medical attention.

“I learnt of my client’s situation when I arrived for the start of the trial that is why I have brought it to the attention of the court that he is not in a position to start the trial,” King’ori said.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed any attempt to adjourn the case arguing that a lot of judicial time has been wasted since the accused took their plea in August last year. “This matter is of great public interest and above all this is the second time this case is being adjourned yet some witnesses have travelled from very far places to testify only to be turned away because of adjournments,” Ms Oundo argued. She also wanted to know from the magistrate if there was any communication on whether the trial will be relocated to Nakuru or not. However, the magistrate said she has not recieved any communication concerning the matter.

On his part Mmbijiwe’s lawyer Pravin Bowry said he was ready for the trial. “It is in the interest of my client to proceed with the trial of this case on the earliest time possible,” Bowry said.

John Mbijiwe, the former Rift Valley police boss and Michael Remi Ngugi of the anti-stock theft unit are facing abuse of office charges in connection to the recruitment of Waiganjo who masqueraded as a senior police officer for close to 10 years.

However the two have denied the four criminal charges they are accused of and each are out on Sh1 million cash bail or Sh2 million bond. The trial was expected to run for four days beginning November 18 last year but was forced to adjourn to Monday. The trial is set to resume on June 30.