Court Proceedings Against 27 Ex-Soldiers Halted

The trial of the 27 ex-soldiers who were expected to take their plea today (Thursday) in a case where they are  accused of having deserted their military duties failed to proceed following the High Court order.

Justice David Majanja issued a two day stay order after the ex-soldiers' lawyers moved to court to challenge the legality of the trial at the Mtongwe Navy Martial Court.

19 out of the 27 former soldiers who appeared before Principal Magistrate Samuel Gacheru and Senior Principal Magistrate Joyce Gandani in separate courts had legal representation.

The lawyers want the charges levelled against the ex-soldiers dropped on grounds that the move was unconstitutional and would therefore infringe on their rights.

The defence lawyers say the accused left their jobs only after duly following the laid down legal requirements for discharge from military service.

The court martial proceedings have been adjourned and the cases referred to the Mombasa High Court.

By Angel Mboya