Media houses ordered to supply DCI with clips in Matungu killings probe

Some of the suspects in Matungu killings when they appeared in court.

The court has ordered two media houses to supply detectives with video and audio clips for political leaders being investigated for crimes of incitement to violence.

 This is after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the four leaders previously arrested have on several incidences uttered inflammatory words.

In a sworn affidavit, Corporal Erick Ogutu attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects are being investigated for the offences of incitement to violence, murder, conspiracy to defeat justice and witness interference.

They have sued the CEOs for West FM and TV (West Media) as well as Nyota FM and TV (Nyota Media) counterparts.

The two media houses are alleged to be in possession of clips of former Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Matungu MP Justus Murunga and Mayoni Ward MCA Libinus Oduor recorded on diverse dates between April 1 and May 10.

“I am investigating several incidences of murder taking place in Matungu. Due to the foregoing, I find it necessary, for purposes of completion of our investigations to obtain voice and video clips recordings for the four suspects,” said Ogutu.

Kakamega Resident Magistrate William Lopokoiyit on Friday ordered the CEOs for the two media stations to supply the clips recorded by their reporters to be used as exhibits during an intended trial.

The matter will be mentioned on June 6 to confirm if the respondents have complied with the said orders.

At the High Court, Judge Jesse Njagi adjourned the mention of a petition where the former CS wants to stop further arrest and prosecution.

This is after his lawyer, James Namatsi told the court that he is yet to serve the Attorney General Paul Kihara with the proceedings.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought for more time to file a replying affidavit to counter the petition.

Mr Rashid claims that his arrest and intended prosecution is politically motivated adding that he is not a resident of Matungu, but Mumias West where he vied for parliamentary seat in 2017 but lost.

He wants a courts declaration that his previous arrest was a violation of his constitutional rights and an abuse of the criminal justice system.

The matter was adjourned to May 30.