MP facing assault charges case adjourned

MP facing assault charges case adjourned

The hearing of a criminal case against Laikipia North Member of Parliament, Mathew Lempurkel, failed to kick off Friday, May 26 after the court heard that Senior Counsel James Orengo is engaged.

Through lawyer Haron Ndubi, the Legislator argued that he would like to be represented by Orengo.

The prosecution objected the defense arguments saying that no new facts have been presented to the court to allow for an adjournment of the matter.

“We should proceed with the matter, justice delayed is justice denied,” the prosecutor argued.

Senior Resident Magistrate, Hellen Onkwan,i said that the accused person has a right to be represented by an advocate of his choice adding that the accused will not suffer any prejudice if the matter is adjourned.

However, the court said that it will not allow another adjournment.

This even as nominated MP, Sarah Korere’s testimony was stood down to testify in another day.

“I find it necessary to allow the application,” ruled Onkwani.

Meanwhile the prosecution has been directed to supply the defense with all the witness statement they will rely on in the case against the legislator.

Mathew Lempurkel is facing charges of assaulting MP Korere at Harambee House early this year.

It is alleged that he and Korere clashed following the woman MP’s meeting with Interior Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Nkaissery, and grassroots leaders on security in Laikipia.

He was accused of slapping the woman on her left cheek and kicking her in the lower abdomen.

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