Ruaraka MP Kajwang’ denies treason charge

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kajwang' questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case when it had originally been filed at the Milimani Law Courts.

Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’ was on Wednesday charged with treason before a Ngong court in Kajiado County and released on a Sh50,000 bond.

A contingent of police officers were deployed at the newly-established law courts two hours before the MP arrived with his lawyer Peter Kaluma, who is also Homa Bay Town MP, and Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino.

The treason and another charge are related to the January 30 event where Nasa principal Raila Odinga took was 'sworn in' as “people’s president” at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

In the first count, Mr Kajwang’ was charged with administering an oath to Raila Amolo Odinga facilitating him to commit a capital offence, namely treason, contrary to section 59(a) of the Penal Code.

UNLAWFUL EVENT
In the second count, the MP was charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, without having notified Officer Commanding Central Police Station in whose jurisdiction they were.

The ODM MP pleaded not guilty to both charges before Ngong Senior Principal Magistrate Lorraine Ogombe.

The lawmaker, through Mr Kaluma, questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case when it had originally been filed at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.

HUMAN RIGHTS
He told the court that his client has a pending matter at the High Court challenging his trial alongside more than 10 other Nasa leaders.

“Thank you your honour for deferring the plea last week. I request that you give me time to consult my client,” Mr Kaluma said.

The lawyer told the court that his client’s fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution were violated during arrest.

The case was fixed for a pre-trial on February 28.