Three charged with assaulting minister’s driver

By LUCAS NG’ASIKE

Three youths have been charged before a Lodwar court for allegedly assaulting the driver of Wildlife assistant minister Josephat Nanok.

They were accused of attacking the minister’s driver and injuring him during a campaign meeting in Kalemunyang in Loima District.

They were also charged with causing malicious damages to property.

The trio appeared before the Lodwar Senior Magistrate Harrison Barasa and denied the charges. They were released on a cash bond of Sh15,000 and the case set for hearing on November 12.

The prosecution said the youth started a scuffle while the assistant minister was addressing party supporters at Kalemunyang assistant chief’s house on Sunday.

During the melee, Nanok’s security detail and driver were attacked by the rowdy youth. Nanok is contesting the Turkana County governor’s seat.

The youth are alleged to have damaged the side mirrors of the car  the MP was using after they allegedly hurled stones at the compound.

“It forced police reservists to shoot in the air to disperse the hooligans. My security detail then arrested the three youth and drove them to Lodwar Police Station,” Nanok said in a statement.

The youths claimed they were tortured as they were being driven to the police station more than 100 kilometres away.

Their lawyer, Lokuruka Ekal, launched a complaint before the court over the alleged assault.