Constable James Mukhwana, accused in the murder of X blogger Albert Ojwang' before the court on Friday 13. The accused will be detained until Friday 20. Photo: Marigiri Facebook.
Police Constable James Mukhwana lawyer Danstan Omari has floored the Independence Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), officer when his client was arraigned in court on June, Friday 13.
According to Omari, this will be his easiest case ever to represent, as his client is innocent, as the real criminals are walking free. He further confirmed that he will be the lawyer of the accused constable, over the murder of slain Homabay blogger Albert Ojwang’.
“I have taken over the case of Police Constable James Mukhwana, and I will be his lawyer. This will be the easiest case for me. My client is innocent, the real criminals are walking free,” Omari stated.
According to Omari, Ojwang’ was killed in the forest before being booked at the police station, where Mukhwana a cell sentry at Central Police station is allegedly reported to be on duty. He claimed that the case will expose those involved as the moment of truth is coming, with leaked WhatsApp chats show Mukhwana had completed his shift, when the slain blogger was booked at the station.
“How do you kill someone in the forest, bring a dead body to the police station, pretend to book it into a cell, and then accuse my client? The moment of truth is coming in court,” he further remarked.
The decorated lawyer also acknowledged the presence of intimidation from powerful sources from the government, including those senior police officer DIG Eliud Lagat, who is the complaint in the case against the deceased blogger. Lagat accused the blogger of making remarks on X, which could tarnish his name.
“I know there will be intimidation from those in power in this case, but I am ready to ensure an innocent man is not sent to the gallows,” Omari stated.
During the case IPOA requested the court to detain Mukhwana for 21 days for investigations to conclude, an application that was refuted by his lawyer Omari, who also requested the accused to be freed on bail, further asking the government to produce evidence of his client interfering with the case.
“The Republic of Kenya is not a banana country that the State is scared of a citizen being out… The government cannot come to court saying that they fear Mukhwana will interfere with investigation. The State must show by evidence that their fear is not mere apprehension,” Omari stated.
However, the court directed that Mukhwana will be remanded until June, Friday 20, to allow for investigations to conclude.
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