Judge orders police protection for lawyer in case involving powerful PS
Meru High Court Justice Francis Gikonyo in this photo taken on February 11, 2016. Justice Gikonyo ordered police protection for a lawyers representing a client that has sued Interior PS Karanja Kibicho after he claimed his life was in danger. PHOTO | PHEOBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Justice Gikonyo issued the directions to the four officers when they appeared before him during the mention of a case in which they are sued alongside Dr Kibicho for raiding a Chuka factory and destroying liquor.
- Mr Riungu, representing Hakim Commercial Agencies, had told the court he had been receiving death threats and he feared that he could be killed.
A court on Thursday ordered police protection for a lawyer whose client has sued Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and four top security officers after claims the advocate had received death threats.
Meru High Court judge Francis Gikonyo directed Tharaka-Nithi County Criminal Investigations officer Betty Chepng’eno, Meru South OCPD Beatrice Kiraguri, County Commissioner Florence Amoit and Chuka OCS Emmanuel Juma to ensure the advocate, Ashford Riungu, is protected.
Justice Gikonyo issued the directions to the four officers when they appeared before him during the mention of a case in which they are sued alongside Dr Kibicho for raiding a Chuka factory and destroying liquor despite a court order barring them from doing so.
Mr Riungu, representing Hakim Commercial Agencies, had told the court he had been receiving death threats and he feared that he could be killed.
He wanted his security guaranteed by the officers who are involved in the same case he is handling.
“Mr Riungu alleges that his life is in danger. Following the death of his colleague (Willie Kimanii) who was murdered recently, his allegations cannot be ignored. I therefore direct that you engage him, investigate the allegations and ensure his security,” ruled Mr Gikonyo.
On Thursday, Police Inspector-General Joseph Boinnet failed to appear before Justice Gikonyo to explain why he had failed to arrest Dr Kibicho, who is accused of contempt of court.
The case was adjourned until September 15 for further directions.
On December 16, 2015, Hakim Commercial Agencies filed a lawsuit in a Chuka court, seeking an injunction restraining the PS and his officers from harassing it.
The court issued the orders that the Interior ministry officers are accused of defying.
(Editing by Joel Muinde)
