Court grants MP Johanna Ng’eno Sh1m bail

A court in Nakuru on Thursday granted Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno, who is facing hate speech and offensive conduct charges bail.

Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui freed Mr Ng’eno on Sh2 million bond with surety or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million.

The MP was also barred from uttering similar statements that may incite violence, stir ethnic contempt or infringe on other citizens’ rights.

The magistrate said that the prosecution did not give compelling reasons for the court to deny Mr Ng’eno bond.

When he was arraigned on Tuesday, the prosecution led by Daniel Karuri had requested the court not to admit Mr Ng’eno to bond terms on grounds that he is a flight risk and likely to interfere with witnesses.

Mr Karuri had indicated that the situation on the ground was volatile following Mr Ng’eno’s remarks and wanted the court to have him remanded.

However, the magistrate agreed with the MP’s lawyer Kimutai Bosek, who argued that the MP being a public officer could not skip court dates and that he was not in a position to interfere with the police officers and officers from the Communication Authority who are the main witnesses in the case.

“This court finds that the prosecution's objections are not supported with strong reasons and facts.

“He has no previous records as none has been presented before court. He is an MP and I do not find that he is a flight risk. The chances of him interfering with witnesses are minimal and therefore I find no compelling reasons to deny him bond,” ruled Ms Usui.

In the case, Mr Ng’eno is accused of using abusive words that is likely to stir up ethnic hatred.

He is also accused of using abusive words at a public gathering causing breach of peace.

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