Jumwa expected to answer to murder charges today
Embattled Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa is expected to present herself today at the Mombasa High Court to answer to murder charges.
The orders were issued to Jumwa by Justice Njoki Mwangi after the prosecution moved to court seeking to have her summoned as she was out on bond, pending investigations on the same murder.
She is being accused of fatally injuring Ngubao Jola, who was shot dead during Ganda Ward in Malindi Constituency by-election in 2019.
Jumwa had earlier been arrested together with her bodyguard, Geoffrey Otieno, for the death of Jola but were never charged.
The court had ordered that they assist police in conducting investigations.
Last week, Coast regional head of the office of the Director of Public Prosecution Alloys Kemo, confirmed that sufficient evidence had been gatherd and had approved that murder charges be preferred against the two.
The lower court had earlier released both on a Sh1 million bond and a surety of similar amount and that they present themselves before DCI in Malindi.
While setting the two free, Mombasa senior Resident Magistrate Vincent Adete, had said that in the interest of justice, a person’s liberty is precious and should not be denied without lawful reasons and in accordance with the law.
This was after the prosecution sought to have the duo detained for 21 days without having them charged.
Political camp
As this happens, a section of grassroots leaders from Rabai sub-county in Kilifi have protested what they termed ‘harassment’ of Jumwa by the government for supporting Deputy President William Ruto’s political camp.
The Malindi MP is staring at possible murder charge after the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji approved that murder charge be preferred against her.
Leaders, led by Mariam Mkumbi, said Jumwa’s troubles are characteristic of the tactics used to suppress coastal kingpins historically.
“Over the years, the government has been making sure Coast residents do not benefit from the natural resources found in the region.
That is why any leader who emerges and tries to fight for their people is suppressed,” she said.
They spoke during a meeting at Serani sportsground in Mombasa. Jumwa is facing multiple court cases that she and her supporters believe were politically instigated.
A section of pundits have also weighed in on the matter. Mohammed Matifo, a political activist, said Jumwa poses a threat to the powers that be because she has been enlightening Kilifi and Coast residents on their rights.
