He is entitled to good defense — Passaris on Murkomen, Mutula Jr representing Sonko in court

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris on Monday stated that Governor Mike Sonko is entitled to a good defense team like any other Kenyan.

This is after a number of netizens faulted Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and his counterpart Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) for defending him.

Passaris stated that that ‘even the worst criminals’ have rights and there was nothing wrong with the two representing Sonko in court.

“Even the worse of 'criminals' are entitled to a good defense. NASA would have done the same. Kenya is sadly more divisive even as we try to unite it.

“#HandshakeKe should allow what flows from the mountain top, as to try stop it would be unsuccessful. Avalanches must roll & roar,” she said.

However, her sentiments did not go down well with some Kenyans who stated that Senators should ensure governors are accountable and not defend them in court.

“Passaris, for Heaven's sake, you cannot defend Murkomen and Mutula. They are senators!!! They talk that counties are corrupt as watchdogs, and then when one county is put to test, they (senators), run to defend!!” wrote one Twitter user.

“Let him choose one. How is he to protect wananchi. These politicians should get serious either do private practice and let people who really want to represent Kenyans be elected. Now you will see the Senate will not have people attending sessions because of their private business,” added another.

“Cecil Miller and Nelson Havi would have sufficed,” added another.

Over the weekend, Passaris also opined on the dramatic arrest of the governor and said the police could have handled the situation in a better way.

“He is the Governor of our County and he has not been found guilty yet. We need to find a way to handle office bearers without compromising the case with human rights violations.

“Why not issue summons to appear in court where charges will be read out?” she asked.