COURT ARRAIGNS FOUR FOR EXPLOSIVE CANISTERS FOUND NEAR JIMI WANJIGI’S RESIDENCE
Four suspects—Duncan Odhiambo Otieno, Calvin Ochieng Odongo, Kennedy Ochieng Asewe, and Josiah Otimo—stand before the court on charges of possessing explosive canisters outside the residence of businessman Jimi Wanjigi. The accused persons made their appearance before the Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndumbi and pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.
The court heard that on August 8 – the day of the ‘Nane Nane’ protests – the accused were found in possession of explosive canisters at Muthaiga Gate 44, Starehe sub-county.
According to the charge sheet before the court, “You had in your possession firearms, namely explosive canisters, in circumstances that raised a reasonable presumption that the firearm was intended to be used in a manner that would disrupt public order.”
The second count the accused face is also one of preparation to commit a felony.
According to the charge sheet, on the same date, within Nairobi’s CBD, the defendants, jointly with others not before the court, were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including smoke grenades.
The prosecution argued that the possession of these items was indicative of an intention to commit a criminal act.
The prosecution pointed out that the mixture of explosives and dangerous weapons proved that the defendants were equipping themselves against crimes.
They further contended that considering the items found with the accused and the timing during a public demonstration, there were sufficient grounds to raise a serious concern regarding potential threats to the public safety and order.
The legal team for the accused persons denied allegations brought against them and opposed the prosecution case.
They said that there were insufficient grounds to justify these very serious allegations that the prosecution had brought forth concerning their clients.
The legality of the manner in which the defendants were arrested and charged was also questioned.
Each of the accused persons was released on a surety bond of Sh100,000. The court has set the next case mention for September 4.
The next court date is, therefore, going to be of importance in determining the progress of the case and the legal strategy of both the prosecution and the defense. It will also give them the opportunity to further scrutinize the evidence and arguments presented.
This case shall have to resolve through the judicial process in the succeeding hearings, complete with a presentation of evidence.
