Former Siaya councillor charged in court

BY MAUREEN ODIWUOR

Kisumu, Kenya: A former councillor of the defunct Siaya Municipal Council was on Friday arraigned before a court in Kisumu and charged for illegal connection of water.

Nicholas Rajula who owns Kogelo Village Resort together with his employee at Fishland Guest house Jane Adhiambo appeared to answer charges before Winam Court.

Rajula was taken to police after Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (Kiwasco) alleged that he was found to have illegally connected water.

The two appeared before Resident Magistrate Caroline Njalale where they were jointly charged with committing the offence on diverse dates between October 9 and January 14.

“You are charged with illegal connection of water,” read the charge.

Particulars of the charge indicated that the water was connected without permission from Kiwasco who are the gazetted water service providers in the town.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge and were each released on a bond of Sh30, 000 with a surety of a similar amount.

“You have a cash bail alternative of Sh10, 000,” said Nanjale.

The prosecution was ordered to issue the charge sheet and witness statements to the suspects.

The case will be mentioned on May 7 and heard on August 1 this year.

Kiwasco is a contracted water service Provider by Lake Victoria South Water Services Board (LVSWSB).

Kiwasco’s mandate is to effectively provide adequate water to customers and to collect, treat, and dispose sewerage in a safe environmentally friendly manner.