Uasin Gishu senator, two others charged over University of Eldoret riots
Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly (right), University of Eldoret Student Union Secretary-General Wesley Kogo and Mr Jonathan Bii, a businessman, appear in a Nakuru court on November 12, 2015. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP.
Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly was on Thursday morning arraigned in a Nakuru court on charges of rioting and causing damage at the University of Eldoret early this year.
Mr Melly, together with a student leader, Mr Wesley Kogo, and politician Jonathan Bii appeared before Chief Magistrate Doreen Mulekyo and pleaded to the charges.
The three denied charges that they led rioters who caused serious damage to the university’s administration block during the February 12 protests.
The rioters were demanding the removal of the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Teresia Akenga, over claims of tribalism and nepotism.
Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Charles Keter (Kericho), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Liza Chelule (nominated) and Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter were among politicians who escorted the trio to the court.
The accused were released on a personal bond of Sh100,000 each.
A hearing is slated for January 25 and 26 next year.
