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.
Sarah Wairimu, the widow of slain businessman Tob Cohen, did not plead to murder charges yesterday after the victim's family objected to lawyer Philip Murgor representing her.
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who is representing the late Cohen’s family, said Mr Murgor was a public prosecutor and that his gazette notice had not been revoked.
“The fact that Murgor claims to have a resignation letter cannot be adopted by the court because such a letter cannot revoke a gazette notice,” said Mr Ombeta.
The parties yesterday appeared before Lady Justice Stella Mutuku, where Wairimu was expected to plead to murder charges.
Read Also: Sarah Wairimu’s entourage stoned during Tob Cohen’s burial
On the other hand, State prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki, in an application, asked the court to find Murgor and Wairimu in contempt of court because they addressed the media during Cohen’s burial against a gag order.
“I want more time, probably a week, to confirm whether the gazette notice where Murgor has been a Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was revoked,” added Ms Mwaniki.
She told the court that the suspect could not take plea without representation.
Murgor, on the other hand, said he was no longer the DPP.
"I'm ready to swear an affidavit and serve it to the prosecution to prove that my gazette notice was revoked and that I am no longer a public prosecutor," he said.
Read Also: Five lessons university students can learn from Tob Cohen’s story
He said the prosecution was just trying to use delay tactics on the matter to continue holding his client in custody for no reason.
“I have been standing here representing Wairimu, and no one has ever raised an objection. Now that we have come for plea taking, the prosecution opposes my representation to her, which is unfair,” added Murgor.
“The prosecution must be mindful to the fact that the suspect has been denied bail for over 30 days,” Murgor told Justice Mutuku.
