Kethi Kilonzo gets temporary reprieve in fraud case

Nairobi, Kenya: Lawyer Kethi Kilonzo Monday got a temporary reprieve in her renewed attempt to stop her prosecution over allegations of stealing a voter’s registration slip.

High Court Judge Justice Msagha Mbogholi suspended the trial set to commence today before Chief Magistrate Hannah Ndungu following Kethi’s successful application.

Justice Mbogholi postponed the trial pending determination of an application she filed on Tuesday last week opposing the conduct of the proceedings as being oppressive.

Through her lawyers Fred Ojiambo and Julie Soweto, Kethi claimed that she has not been provided with a copy of the witness statement and other relevant documents to prepare for the case against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In his ruling Justice Mbogholi said the trial in the lower court shall not commence until Kethi’s application is heard.

He directed the chief magistrate to avail the file before the High Court without any further delay to enable it determine the matter.

On June 19, the Deputy Registrar wrote to the Chief Magistrate calling for the magistrate’s court to produce the file but it has not been availed before the High Court.

The matter will be mentioned on July 10.