The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in his offices during an interview with the Standard on August 18th, 2016. By Chrispen Sechere.PHOTO: COURTESY
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya will appear in court today to plead to charges of incitement to violence.
This comes barely a day after the governor was released on a Sh300, 000 personal bond by a Butere court after he denied an assault charge.
Oparanya had earlier moved to the High Court in Kakamega to block taking plea on the incitement charges, which he claimed were not properly crafted and were unconstitutional.
He was charged with uttering words that led to mourners burning houses, damaging properties and causing injuries to Wilsham Malele, Emilly Maika, Roseline Linet and George Namai on April 26, 2014 at Mabole village in Kakamega
Oparanya's bid to block taking plea was dismissed on July 28 this year by Justice Ruth Sitati.
Yesterday, Oparanya appeared before Butere Principal Magistrate Charles Mutayi to plead to a 2008 assault charge which he had unsuccessfully tried to block.
He was charged with assaulting a John Ojwang on August 17, 2008 at Mabole village in Butere.
Oparanya first contested the assault charge in 2013 claiming that his prosecution was politically engineered and malicious.
He argued Police Inspector Aloyce Mboya of Butere had initially closed the file in 2008 due to insufficient evidence only for it be re-opened in 2013 after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights came in.
The appeal was dismissed with costs, allowing the Butere lower court to proceed with the trial.
Oparanya then petitioned the then Kisumu Appellate Court judge David Maraga (now CJ), and Justices Daniel Musinga and Gatembe Kairu, arguing that the High Court failed to consider the authenticity of a statement by Inspector Mboya.
The appellate court ruled that the delay in his prosecution was properly explained by the police.
Oparanya's case at the lower court will now proceed to hearing on January 17, 2017.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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