Drama in Eldoret Court as Turkana Governor’s Son Insists on Testifying in Kiswahili in MP Assault Case
Lavish, who is a key witness in the assault case, requested to testify in Kiswahili, telling the court that he was not proficient in English.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai’s elder son Lavish Lomorukai during proceedings at Eldoret Court.
There was drama at the Eldoret Law Courts after Turkana Governor Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai’s eldest son, Lavish Lomorukai, declined to give his testimony in English during a case where Turkana South MP John Ariko and seven others are accused of assaulting his younger brother, Nimrod Lomorukai.
Lavish, who is a key witness in the assault case, requested to testify in Kiswahili, telling the court that he was not proficient in English.
“Your honour, I do not have a good command of spoken English, and I will be happy and comfortable if you allow me to testify in our national language, Kiswahili,” pleaded Lavish, prompting laughter from a packed courtroom.
The request led to a brief exchange between Lavish and defence lawyer Vincent Githaiga, who insisted that the witness should give his testimony in English. The presiding magistrate, Kesse Cheronoh, however, granted Lavish’s plea, allowing him to proceed in Kiswahili after he explained that English was difficult for him.
Once allowed to proceed, Lavish narrated to the court how he received a distress call from his brother on the night of April 29, 2024, claiming he had been attacked by a group allegedly affiliated with the Turkana South MP.
“It was around 11 p.m., and I had visitors in my house when my brother called saying he had been attacked. He asked me to rush to Cherina Bar and Restaurant, just a few kilometres from Lodwar town,” Lavish told the court.
He said that upon arriving at the scene, he chose to remain inside his car rather than confront the attackers.
“While sitting in my car, I saw my younger brother being beaten to the ground by a group of people whom I later established were supporters of the Turkana South MP,” he testified.
Lavish added that he did not report the incident to the police but instead took his injured brother to a hospital in Lodwar town for treatment before driving him home.
According to Lavish, Nimrod, a professional footballer, had gone to the bar with friends to play pool when an argument with the MP’s supporters allegedly turned violent.
The case, in which MP Ariko and his co-accused — Peter Lokutuni, David Nangiro, Jemostar Akooyen, Bornfestus Nabuin, Joseph Ekitela, Sammy Ekitelem, and James Abel — are facing assault charges, continues before the Eldoret Court.
All eight accused persons have denied the charges and are out on Sh150,000 cash bail each.
The prosecution has lined up over 20 witnesses to testify in the matter. The case will resume for further hearing on December 10 and 11, 2025.
About Author
