Omtata released, arrest warrant lifted

Activist Okiya Omtata was on Friday arraigned in Nairobi Milimani court.

Omtata, who was arrested on Thursday for not appearing for a mention of a 2011 criminal case spent the night in police cells.

On Friday morning, he was joined by his lawyer James Orengo who pleaded with the court not to enhance his bond terms and have the warrant of arrest orders lifted.

Principal magistrate Martha Mutuku warned Mr. Omtata against skipping court sessions and directed he appear before chief Magistrate Francis Andayi who issued the warrant orders against him.

The prosecution maintained they will apply to have Omtata’s bond terms enhanced saying that it is not the first time he has failed to appear in court and warrants issued.

In his defense, Omtata castigated the magistrate who ordered his arrest saying that he was in court early in the morning for mention of the said case but the court delayed and he decided to attend a High Court session where he was presenting on a different matter.

“When I was done at the high court, I made appearance at the lower court, unfortunately the court had adjourned and officers arrested me”, explained Omtata.

Addressing the press after the court appearance, Omtata lamented that the case has taken so long and that the court has refused to terminate the case despite the plea by the prosecution that the case can not stand trial.

Omtata and others were charged in 2011 for allegedly locking the office of then Minister for Education Sam Ongeri in protest where they accused Mr. Ongeri of stealing Ksh.4.8 billion free primary education funds.

Mr. Orengo promised to join in pushing for termination of the said case which has never been heard to completion.

The case will be mentioned on April 22, 2018.