Turkana Leaders Accuse Governor of Weaponizing Justice System in MP Ariko’s Politically Charged Case!
Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo criticized the delay in granting bail and the circumstances of the arrests, describing them as politically motivated
Turkana North Member of Parliament, Paul Ekwom Nabuin (centre), addresses the media at the Eldoret Law Courts on Monday.
A section of Turkana legislators, led by Turkana North Member of Parliament Paul Ekwom Nabuin and Lokichar Member of County Assembly Lokale Samuel Lomodo, who is also the Turkana County Assembly Minority Leader, has slammed the Governor of Turkana for what they termed as using security agencies and the judicial system to punish Turkana South Member of Parliament John Ariko over trumped-up charges.
Background to the Case:
Turkana South MP John Ariko and eight other individuals face legal charges including assault, conspiracy to defeat justice, and other allegations. The case centers on an incident on April 29, 2024, where MP Ariko and the accused allegedly assaulted Nimrod Ekamais Lomurukai, the 23-year-old son of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai, at Cherinas Homes in Turkana Central. Additionally, MP Ariko is accused of conspiring to falsely accuse the governor’s son of abduction and other charges. The co-accused also face charges such as possession of suspected stolen property and forgery.
The arrests occurred on December 13, 2024, with MP Ariko being held in custody until his court appearance on December 27, where he denied the charges. The delay in his presentation to court, coupled with the decision to remand him and the others in custody over the Christmas holiday, has drawn accusations of malice and political motivation from his defense and supporters. Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, representing MP Ariko, criticized the prosecution for its approach, describing it as unjust and influenced by political interests. On December 30, 2024, the accused were released on bail.
Latest Developments:
Speaking after the release of MP Ariko and eight other accused persons from Eldoret GK Prison, the legislators accused the Governor of using Turkana County resources to influence the judicial process. Other political leaders present included Turkana County Senator James Lomenen, Turkana Central Member of Parliament, and several Members of the Turkana County Assembly.
“The Turkana community has not enjoyed their Christmas following the arrest of their Member of Parliament and eight other residents, who were incarcerated over 400 kilometers from their home county in Turkana. Whatever happened will come to pass. We are strongly aware of what transpired on the ground. We want to tell the Turkana community to remain calm during this period. As Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo mentioned, this is a baseless case. However, we will ensure that whoever was involved in overturning and twisting this case, where the victims have been prosecuted, will be brought to justice. We will take this up with the judicial system and any other relevant authority. We are not happy, and the Governor should know that tables turn. He may be using Turkana resources now, but his time will come,” said MP Paul Ekwom Nabuin.
Hon. Lomodo also noted that on Saturday, while addressing Turkana professionals in Loima, the Governor claimed he had ensured MP John Ariko would spend time in jail and that he was pleased with the outcome. “Today, we are also smiling by design upon the release of our MP. We will allow the case to take its course, but let the Governor know that 2027 is not far,” Lomodo added.
Judicial Process and Reactions:
During the bail hearing, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo criticized the delay in granting bail and the circumstances of the arrests, describing them as politically motivated. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the court handled the case, particularly the decision to reserve the bail ruling until December 30. The defense has vowed to pursue justice for what they consider malicious prosecution.
Next Steps:
The case is scheduled for mention on January 20, 2025, at the Eldoret Law Courts. This case has garnered significant public and political attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and allegations of political interference in the judicial process.
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