Ward Rep denies inciting residents
Mukutani Ward Rep Renson Parkei in a Nakuru court on February 8, 2016 where he denied inciting or taking part in violence that claimed the lives of three people. He was freed on a Sh100,000 cash bail. The case will be heard on March 2. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
County chief issues warning to leaders agitating violence.
Director of Public Prosecutions lost a bid to have the MCA remanded before answering to the charges.
State Counsel Sandra Kosgey wanted the ward representative held because “he is more likely to incite the Ilchamus and Tugen communities once freed”.
The MCA was released on a Sh100,000 cash bail.
The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of a ward representative ended Monday when he was arraigned for incitement.
The arrest of Mukutani Ward Rep Renson Parkei at Mpeyot Village sparked outrage in his Ilchamus community.
The MCA was reportedly taken to Mogotio Police Station before being transferred to Menengai in Nakuru. He denied the charges.
Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions lost a bid to have the MCA remanded before answering to the charges.
State Counsel Sandra Kosgey wanted the ward representative held because “he is more likely to incite the Ilchamus and Tugen communities once freed”.
The court instead said there were no sufficient grounds to warrant his detention. The MCA was released on a Sh100,000 cash bail.
INCITEMENT CHARGES
According to the prosecution, Mr Parkei incited violence on February 1 at a primary school in Mukutani during a security meeting addressed by a deputy county commissioner.
The court heard that during the meeting, the MCA gave the government 24 hours to apprehend killers of a herder.
The prosecution said afterwards, Mr Parkei’s utterances led to violence in which three people died.
Ms Kosgey wanted the leader remanded in a police station but changed her mind when residents threatened to storm the station.
Defence lawyer David Mongeri said the application by the prosecutor was ridiculous and laughable.
“The suspect has a right to freedom as the case proceeds and his rights can not be curtailed by the DPP’s claims,” Mr Mongeri said.
Among those killed were an elderly man and a pupil of Mpechot Primary School. The attackers also drove away 400 cattle.
County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo said security agents had information that politicians were inciting members of the Ilchamus and Tugen communities.
The case will be heard on March 22.
Report by Wycliff Kipsang, Florah Koech and Eric Matara
