Priest must answer over bishop’s death

By WILFRED AYAGA

A priest charged with the killing of Isiolo Catholic Diocese Bishop Luigi Locati seven years ago has a case to answer, the High court ruled yesterday.

Justice Fred Ochieng put father Guyo Waqo Malley (pictured) on his defence after establishing that the prosecution had proved an arguable case against the accused and five other jointly charged with him.

The priest alongside Mohammed Molu Bagajo, Aden Ibrahim Mohamed, Mahati Ali Halake, Diqa Wario and Roba Balla Bariche are accused of killing the Italian Bishop in his house on the night of July 14 2005.

In his ruling, Justice Ochieng said that the prosecution had adduced evidence that the priest was the originator of the idea that the bishop should be killed. Following yesterday’s ruling, Father Guyo and his co-accused will now be required to call witnesses in their defence.

Defence lawyer Ojwang Agina told the court that the priest had lined up four witnesses who will give evidence exonerating from the crime. The other accused will also call witnesses and present statements to the court.

The killing of the 76-year-old Italian Bishop in 2005 attracted condemnation from the Catholic community in the country and abroad. He died after gunmen stormed into his house and shot him, killing him instantly. The defence hearing will take place between 10th and 14th February.