Minister wants Baraza evidence made public

Regional Development minister Fred Gumo has asked the police to make their evidence against Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza public.

He further demanded that the police air CCTV footage of the Village Market incident on local TV stations for Kenyans to see what really happened. He said the recording was not clear and could not be used as evidence.

The MP also called for fairness in the investigations into the conduct of Lady Justice Baraza at the busy shopping mall where she is alleged to have assaulted a security guard.

Ms Rebecca Kerubo, a security guard at the Village Market, claimed that judge Baraza pointed a gun at her on New Year’s eve after she demanded that the deputy CJ undergoes security checks.

Mr Gumo said that his response to the matter had been triggered by pressure from his constituents to have him respond to the scuffle that occurred in his Westlands constituency.

“If the police have proof they should make it public for people to know.

“Baraza was interviewed in public and so this matter should also be conducted publicly,” Mr Gumo said.

He asked that the matter be left in the hands of the police, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions who would carry out thorough investigations and make the final decision.

He said that he had learnt from unconfirmed reports that Ms Kerubo was willing to reconcile with the deputy CJ and put the matter to rest.

The Westlands MP accused security guards in the country of failing to recognise people in key positions.

He said that the guards do not undergo proper training and as a result “harass people with important and powerful jobs”.

He also accused the deputy CJ's security detail of failing to make known her presence to the Village Market security guards therefore creating an embarrassing situation.

Police have indicated that Lady Justice Baraza and her driver could face gun charges.

These include the illegal possession of a firearm, illegal use of a firearm and threatening to kill.

A sub committee of the JSC is also investigating the incident.