State drops case against journalists

The prosecution was on Thursday allowed to withdraw a case against seven journalists accused of taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Prosecutor Capis Otieno, told Nairobi's Kibera senior resident magistrate Cosmas Maundu that he had been instructed by the director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Keriako Tobiko, to withdraw the case.

Break up

The journalists were arrested in 2008 when police tried to break up demonstrations against the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2008, which has since been signed into law.

They were also accused of taking part in an unlawful procession. The charges were dropped after Attorney-General Amos Wako tabled a nolle prosequi, meaning the State was no longer willing to go ahead.

“The AG has duly perused the files and examined the evidence in light of the representations made by the counsel for the accused.

“He has consequently concluded there is no sufficient evidence to sustain a prima facie case,” read part of the directive from the Attorney-General.