Matiang’i defamation: Court rejects blogger Nyakundi’s withdrawal plea

A Nairobi court on Wednesday declined to withdraw the case of controversial blogger Cyprian Nyakundi charged with defaming Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

This comes after the defense made an application to have the matter withdrawn saying that the main and key witness who is the CS, has not recorded his statement with the prosecution.

Nyakundi, through his lawyer Nderu Ann Wambui, asked the court to have the matter withdrawn under section 201 of the criminal procedural code (CPC) for lack of evidence saying that they have not been supplied with the CS’ statement.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Peter Ooko said if the CS is not interested in the matter and won’t record a statement, the prosecution should withdraw the case.

The interior CS was supposed to testify today but the prosecution sought for an adjournment saying that he is engaged in security matters in Mt. Elgon.

The matter will be heard on June 14.