Prosecution wants Kilifi DG Gideon Saburi detained for 14 days at Manyani prison

Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi was on Monday arraigned for disregarding the government’s directive to go into self-quarantine after entering the country from a nation with confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The prosecution sought to detain Saburi for 14 more days at the Manyani Maximum Prison pending completion of investigations.

According to the prosecution, Kilifi residents were angered by the deputy governor’s actions hence he could be subjected to mob justice if released.

They further stated that Saburi was, upon discharge from hospital after recovering from the coronavirus, directed to self-quarantine for 14 days but he could defy that order as he allegedly did the initial one.

Saburi, through his lawyer, however opposed the prosecutions prayer to detain him for 14 days saying it would be illegal as he has not been charged yet.

Appearing before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti, he said detaining him was pointless since he cannot flee outside the country as all international flights have since been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

He also rubbished the claim that he was directed to go into self-quarantine after returning to the country saying there is no evidence hence it should not be used in court.

Saburi further added that there is also no evidence of anger by Kilifi residents towards him saying the 14 days police are seeking to detain him he will be in self-quarantine anyway as directed upon his discharge hence he will not interfere with investigations.