Wahome Thuku, Kibe Mungai to represent Ndiangui as he says he is ready to testify
The blogger asked the High Court to allow him to testify and share the account of what happened during his 20-day disappearance, marking a significant turn in the case
Blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia will be represented by lawyers Kibe Mungai and Wahome Thuku.
This is after the petitioner, the Law Society of Kenya, was granted leave in the case following their application, hence ceasing to represent him.
Appearing before Justice Chacha Mwita, Ndiangui had been told to seek legal representation after he had been left with none.
The blogger asked the court to allow him to testify and share the account of what happened during his 20-day disappearance, marking a significant turn in the case.
Ndiangui, who was alongside his mother, told Mwita that he is ready to shed light on the events surrounding his case.
Senior Counsel Martha Karua, who was also present, called for transparency in the matter and urged the court to grant the petitioner and his family an opportunity to be heard.
“I believe the court deserves to know the truth because the matter has implications for the security of others,” the People’s Liberation Party Leader stated.
The respondents argued that the matter has dragged on for too long and that any further delays to hearing the petition would undermine the pursuit of justice and deny the public access to the whole truth.
However, the court granted the blogger 14 days to seek legal representation and file his affidavit.
“At the same time, during the said period, you have to file an affidavit explaining what you know and what happened because this court and the people of Kenya deserve to know the truth,” Mwita ruled.
The matter will be returned in mid-September.
This is even as Ndiangui had pleaded with the court to extend the protection it had previously granted him, adding that he fears for his life.
“I request the court to extend the orders barring my arrest by the police,” he said, drawing the court’s attention to what he described as genuine fears for his safety if police officers apprehend him.
However, Justice Mwita was quick to temper his expectations as he reminded him that while the court had issued temporary conservatory orders to protect the integrity of the petition, the protection is not absolute.
The judge emphasized that, should any lawful investigation reveal that Ndiang’ui has committed a crime, he will be subject to due process and possible arrest.
“You are reminded that the orders in place do not shield you from lawful arrest should there be valid grounds. The rule of law still applies,” Justice Mwita said.
