Former MP Clement Waibara faults murder plot charges

Former Gatundu North MP Clement Waibara has faulted murder conspiracy charges facing him over alleged inconsistencies by key prosecution witnesses.

Mr Waibara, accused of conspiring to kill a rival who had challenged his 2007 election in court, termed the case "incompetent" and requested a Nyeri court to unconditionally acquit him.

In his final submissions Tuesday, he said an individual can never conspire to commit a crime alone.

The prosecution alleges that Waibara conspired to kill Bernard Chege after he declined to drop the election petition.

But the former legislator claims that Chege's testimony was untrustworthy since he did not raise the threats to his life before the court that was hearing the petition.

Chege described his escape to Nakuru after a hitman identified as Junior disclosed the former MP had paid him Sh20,000 to eliminate him. The said Junior reportedly advised Chege to go into hiding so that he could receive balance of Sh30,000 promised by the MP.

Nyeri Resident Magistrate Joanne Wambilyanga, on October 18, last year, ruled Waibara had a case to answer. Hearing continues on July 24.