JARO SOJA UNDER FIRE: Ardent Gor fan faces arrest over assault claims against club official

KPL Champions Mahia fan Jaro Soja at JKIA, Nairobi on Sunday 09/11/14.PHOTO. BONIFACE OKENDO

Jaro Soja, otherwise known as Jared Otieno, the flamboyant Gor Mahia fan is staring at an arrest after Kibera Court issued a warrant of arrest for skipping a hearing for allegedly assaulting a club official.

On February 13 this year, Jaro is alleged to have assaulted Gor Mahia Organising Secretary David Kilo at the Nyayo National Stadium on the day K’Ogalo lost 2-1 to Madagascan side CNaPS.

A medical report, which FeverPitch has seen, concludes Kilo suffered “soft tissue injury of the occipital part of the scalp.”

According to Kilo, it has been a painstaking process to see justice meted out on his famous assailant even as his area MP Jakoyo Midiwo reportedly prevailed on him to drop the charges. “Thankfully, I am a fisherman. And fishermen, you know, are very patient people. Since February, I have been taken in circles by the Police and Jaro has always rubbed it in that, “hakuna pahali utanipeleka.” (There is nowhere you will take me),” Kilo told FeverPitch.

“And because Jaro said I will take him nowhere, now there is an arrest warrant on his head. Even if this one fails, and for as long as I am alive I will pursue the issue to a satisfactory end,” Kilo said.

Contacted, Jaro Soja admitted he failed to show up at Kibera Law Courts because he was taken ill while up country.

“However, I presented myself at the Court on Monday and after explaining to the magistrate, I was told to return on December 15 for the hearing date. So I don’t think the arrest warrant is still applicable,” Jaro said adding that he was sorry that a misunderstanding with Kilo had gone out of hand.

“I am a public figure given my long association with Gor Mahia as an ardent fan. I wouldn’t do anything that would put my reputation on the line,” Jaro said.

He added: “I am alive to the fact that I have become the face of Gor Mahia fans. Besides, Kilo is a friend of mine. I did campaign and voted for him to be the Organising Secretary. I will endeavour to meet him personally to offer my apologies for whatever misunderstanding we have had.”

Kilo, however insists that all he wants is justice.

“Many people have been attacked, their property destroyed, maimed and some traumatised and would not want to go anywhere near a stadium because of acts people like Jaro have perpetuated over time,” Kiilo said.

Now armed with case number CR170/47/2016 and court file number 1136/16, Kilo contends should justice be served, it will go a long way to curbing hooliganism in local football.