PS Korir’s assault case postponed to March 1, cites Covid for skipping court

Devolution Principal Secretary Julius Kiplangat Korir will appear in court on March 1 after his scheduled appearance was postponed after he contracted Covid-19.

A Nairobi Court yesterday granted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) permission to verify the medical records of Korir, who is accused of assaulting his estranged wife, Evelyn Koech.

Korir was supposed to appear in court yesterday to answer to the assault charges, but he did not show up because he was infected with Covid-19.

Through his lawyer Nicholas Ombija, he presented medical documents to Milimani Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi proving he had Covid-19.

“My client travelled back but he contracted Covid and hence, could not attend court. I have medical documents to prove that he is sick,” the court heard.

However, the prosecution represented by Alice Muthangani told the court that the DPP needed to verify the documents to determine whether they were genuine or not.

“We are seeking to defer the plea taking of Korir as he has travelled out the country for an East Africa community function,” Ombija told court.

Last week, Shitubi extended the summons after the defence lawyer told court that Korir had travelled out of the country on official duty.

“We are seeking to defer the plea taken by Korir as he has travelled out the country for an East African Community function on devolution,” Ombija told the court.

He produced a letter dated February 1 showing the PS was to travel from February 5 to 10.

The court heard that since the Devolution ministry has no CS at the moment, it was necessary for the PS to travel and represent the country.

Charles Keter resigned last week to seek an elective post.

In the charge sheet, Korir is accused of assaulting Koech and causing her bodily harm.

He is alleged to have committed the offence on September 17, 2020 at Ndalat Road, Karen in Nairobi.

Last year, Korir appealed to the High Court to stop his prosecution, but Justice Anthony Mrima in November 2021 dismissed the petition.