Prosecutor in Mercy Keino inquest threatened

By Isaiah Lucheli

The Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Moses O’mirera has said his life is in danger.

Moses O’mirera, who is the prosecutor in the inquest into the death of university student Mercy Keino, told the inquest team he was being pushed to call witnesses who had been adversely named in the suit even before those who witnessed or had first account of the incident testified.

 O’mirera explained that rules of natural justice dictate that those adversely mentioned should be the last to testify.

“I made this request at the beginning of the inquest to call witnesses adversely mentioned at the end of the inquiry. I feel intimidated. My life is in danger,” he said.

He claimed some forces were pushing to have him out of the suit.

The deputy DPP reminded the inquiry that the on-going probe was not a trial where the prosecution was determined to prove a case and added that he did not have a personal interest in the matter.

At the beginning of the inquest, the prosecutor rejected attempts by lawyers representing aides of Juja MP William Kabogo who had been adversely mentioned take the witness stand.

O’mirera claimed the defense was pushing him to take up witnesses when he was not ready.

 “We have all the contacts for the witnesses. We have tried to trace some of them but in vain while others are not picking calls. We have done everything humanly possible and it is evident we are not dragging this case,” he said.

After mechanic Paul Ouma finished giving his evidence on Tuesday, the DPP sought for adjournment but lawyers representing Juja MP rejected the application. An attempt by Kabogo’s bodyguard to take to the witness stand created confusion as O’mirera said he had not asked him to because he was not ready to take his evidence.  

Kabogo, his driver and aides have been adversely mentioned in the death of the student whose body was discovered on Waiyaki Way.