MP’s video played in court

A video clip showing Nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dor addressing journalists, where he allegedly uttered words that were urging disobedience of the law, was played in court on Thursday.

Sheikh Dor has been charged with incitement to disobey the law after a party launch on October 13 in Mombasa.

Corporal Michael Musi told the court that he was able to hear what the MP was telling journalists after the launch of Unity Party of Kenya at Mombasa Technical Training Institute.

He told Mombasa Chief Magistrate Stephen Riechi that the MP, while fielding questions from journalists, said Mombasa Republican Council is a legal entity and will be financed by anyone.

Another witness, Mr Zanaidun Ali Mohamed, told the court that after the launch of the party, journalists interviewed Sheikh Dor over the detention of MRC leaders at Shimo la Tewa Prison.

A journalist asked the MP why the suspects could not be helped, the witness said.

Mr Mohamed said the MP replied that they had not come to him to look for sponsorship but should they come he would sponsor them if they had not broken the law.

Upon cross-examination by defence lawyer Adam Hamza, the witness said Sheikh Dor was answering reporters’ questions and that the agenda at the meeting did not concern MRC. Mombasa Central Police Station acting inspector Zeleah Jakaa told the court that the words on the charge sheet came from the accused and that she heard him say that.

Ms Jakaa, who had been deployed to provide security during the launch, said she heard what the MP was telling the reporters.

The accused allegedly said: “I do not know any single MP, tycoon who finance (MRC), I do not know, and if there is any what is wrong? Any Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian and any father has a right to help MRC because they have not gone against the Constitution, if they ask me I will sponsor them,”)

According to the prosecution, the words implied that it was or might be desirable to disobey the law.

The hearing continues.