Malindi MP Jumwa freed after posting Sh4m bail
Monica Kagia
Embattled Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa was yesterday freed after posting Sh4 million cash bail.
Jumwa was forced to spend the weekend at the Port Police Station after she failed to raise the money on Friday.
Her bodyguard, Geoffrey Otieno, who was also slapped with Sh3 million bond or alternative cash bail of Sh1.5 million, was also freed yesterday.
The two pleaded not guilty last week to charges of killing Ngumbai Jola, 48, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporter who died in chaos that ensued during campaigns for the Ganda Ward by-election in Malindi on October 15, 2019.
While opposing bail applications of the two suspects, Senior State Prosecutor Alloys Kemo said Otieno had no permanent place of abode, and that together with Jumwa, they would intimidate the immediate family of the deceased and interfere with witnesses.
However, the court declined to deny the suspects bond, saying the prosecution did not give compelling reasons to convince the court on the same.
“The reasons given are not compelling, both the accused wrote a replying affidavit and it was stated that Otieno is a close aide to her and has been living with Jumwa for over six years, and that can be used as a place he lives,” said the magistrate.
Replying affidavit
Further, the court ruled that the matter was first reported a year ago, and the accused have not been or in any way interfered with witnesses.
They will reappear in court for pre-trial on November 9.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji approved murder and assault charges against the two on October 14. Jumwa is reported to have stormed a meeting organised by Reuben Katana, an ODM candidate in the mini poll. Katana is Jola’s nephew.
Jola had attended the meeting when Otieno allegedly fired at him. Jola died upon arrival at Malindi General Hospital.
Monica Kagia
Embattled Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa was yesterday freed after posting Sh4 million cash bail.
Jumwa was forced to spend the weekend at the Port Police Station after she failed to raise the money on Friday.
Her bodyguard, Geoffrey Otieno, who was also slapped with Sh3 million bond or alternative cash bail of Sh1.5 million, was also freed yesterday.
The two pleaded not guilty last week to charges of killing Ngumbai Jola, 48, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporter who died in chaos that ensued during campaigns for the Ganda Ward by-election in Malindi on October 15, 2019.
While opposing bail applications of the two suspects, Senior State Prosecutor Alloys Kemo said Otieno had no permanent place of abode, and that together with Jumwa, they would intimidate the immediate family of the deceased and interfere with witnesses.
However, the court declined to deny the suspects bond, saying the prosecution did not give compelling reasons to convince the court on the same.
“The reasons given are not compelling, both the accused wrote a replying affidavit and it was stated that Otieno is a close aide to her and has been living with Jumwa for over six years, and that can be used as a place he lives,” said the magistrate.
Replying affidavit
Further, the court ruled that the matter was first reported a year ago, and the accused have not been or in any way interfered with witnesses.
They will reappear in court for pre-trial on November 9.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji approved murder and assault charges against the two on October 14. Jumwa is reported to have stormed a meeting organised by Reuben Katana, an ODM candidate in the mini poll. Katana is Jola’s nephew.
Jola had attended the meeting when Otieno allegedly fired at him. Jola died upon arrival at Malindi General Hospital.
