DCI seeks to detain Korogocho MCA for 7 days
Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo is alleged to have uttered inciteful words
Joash Kinara
Absalom Odhiambo Korogocho Member of County Assembly(MCA) was indicted in court on Tuesday after his arrest on Monday, January 31.
The MCA is alleged to have uttered words which according to the police are likely to cause violence to the nation. Police say Odhiambo uttered the unproven inciting words during an Azimio la umoja rally held at the Kamukunji grounds on monday ,January 23.
So as to complete investigations into the matter , The Director OfCriminal investigation had now asked the court to give them seven day to detain the MCA.
"The applicant advanced investigations have revealed that the respondent is a habitual character who wants to cause havoc of the nation through his followers both from public address and social media," court was told.
The court was further told that he is a flight risk. DCI argue that they need seven days to retrieve any possible inciting messages from his phone and record statements for the state to enhance evidence for the prosecution.
"The investigator estimates that it will take 7 days to complete investigations file to the ODPP for decision to charge," reads the application. Defense lawyers led by Danistan Omari opposed the request saying that Odhiambo is not a flight risk and that his prosecution is political.
The defense argued that the MCA is a respectable family man, the regime that brings out client to you said they will not use the police to harass people...we urge this court to be independent and fair and let it not to be an entry of political arrests. There are no compelling reasons to detain the MCA for seven days, even for a day.
The Korogocho MCA will remain in police custody as court will deliver its ruling tomorrow.
