Awkward moment for Murkomen over magistrate's jibe

Senator and lawyer Kipchumba Murkomen for Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko at a Milimani anti-corruption. [George Njunge/Standard]

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen received a public dressing-down in court while trying to plead that Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko be taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Murkomen, who is the Senate Majority leader, rose to support an application by Sonko’s lead lawyer Cecil Miller requesting anti-corruption Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti to order that he be taken to KNH for treatment as they process his bail.

But Ogoti who wasn’t moved by his arguments, reminded the Senator that he is out of touch with the latest court decisions which should have guided his application.

“Murkomen, do you know why I am smiling? I know you don’t practice in this court. There is an authority from Machakos that each individual right of an accused is considered singularly even if you are charged together,” said Ogoti amid laughter from other lawyers.

The senator had told the magistrate that they had to bring Sonko to dispel rumours that he would escape from hospital.

“Your fear was unfounded... you didn’t have to disturb a sick person from hospital. I still would have gone ahead and given directions, you should get hold of that decision by Justice Stella Mutuku as it can help you in future,” said Ogoti.

Murkomen’s woes, however, did not end there as State prosecutor Joseph Riungu notified the court that they will file an application to bar him and Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr from representing Sonko due to conflict of interest.

Murkomen and Kilonzo, however, vowed to continue representing Sonko.