The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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On Tuesday, Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, did not attend court to address charges of assault and bodily harm, asserting that he was unwell.
As a result, Mumias Senior Resident Magistrate Marcella Onyanya instructed the legislator to appear physically in court on the following day. Magistrate Onyanya also directed the investigating officer overseeing the case to furnish the court with a comprehensive medical report from the Aga Khan Hospital, where MP Salaysa purportedly received treatment.
The contentious lawmaker faces charges of assaulting Malaha-Isango ward MCA Peter Walunya Indimuli at a funeral the previous Friday and had been released on a Ksh.50,000 cash bail.
Legal representatives, led by Arnold Magina on behalf of the complainant, requested the court to revoke the bail conditions for the accused due to his failure to comply with court orders.
Magina argued that, like any suspect, Salasya should have adhered to court instructions and presented himself to face the charges. In light of his non-appearance, he suggested that the cash bail be forfeited to the State, and a warrant of arrest be issued against him.
Furthermore, Magina contended that no document had been submitted to the court to justify why MP Salasya was absent. He dismissed claims of the legislator’s hospital admission, demanding a report detailing when he was admitted and the nature of his ailment.
“If he has the stamina to post yet we are told he cannot attend court, it’s very unfair because that is very evident that he can address the court,” Magina stated.
The advocate also alleged that the legislator was intimidating crucial witnesses in the case and may be in the Ekero area, not hospitalized as claimed.
Supporting Magina’s concerns, the investigating team revealed tracking data indicating that the MP was in Ekero, Mumias, not at the Aga Khan Hospital as reported. Consequently, the prosecution urged the court to review the accused person’s prior records and determine an appropriate penalty.
“The accused has chosen not to respect the court. His advocate, Harmston Maloba, indicated that he is admitted in hospital but has not provided evidence on the same. Warrants should be issued against him, and a mention date placed before this court, latest on Friday,” stated the prosecution.
In defense of MP Salasya, his lawyer Maloba dismissed allegations of witness intimidation as false.
