Isiolo Speaker Roba remains in custody as court delays plea
Rob faces charges of obstruction and misuse of county vehicles.
Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba is set to spend a second night in police custody after appearing before a court in Mavoko, Machakos County, where his plea was not taken.
The court directed that Roba remain at Athi River Police Station and return to court on Thursday for further directions regarding his case.
The development followed a request from Roba’s defence team, who urged the court to postpone the plea-taking.
Rob faces charges of obstruction and misuse of county vehicles.
Hi lawyers argued before Senior Principal Magistrate Derrick Kuto that the charge sheet presented against their client was defective.
Although the prosecution initially opposed the application, insisting that the charges were in order, they later conceded that the plea could be postponed.
They clarified, however, that the delay was not due to defects in the charge sheet but rather to allow time for verification of documents involved in the case.
Magistrate Kuto briefly excused himself from the open court to deliberate on the matter in chambers. Upon return, he issued his decision.
"I will retire and return to give directions. I will alert you on the directions I will give," Kuto said before stepping out.
When he resumed the session, Kuto noted the complexity and seriousness of the submissions made by both parties, along with the significant public interest surrounding the case.
"It's 15.14 hours, and my direction reads, the rival detailed and deep submissions raised serious constitutional and validity issues that the court needs to address its mind on. Without more, the matter equally raises notable public interest issues. To this end, I schedule a ruling for tomorrow, August at 11 am," he said.
He then directed that Roba be detained at Athi River Police Station until Thursday and ordered that his legal team be granted access to him during the period.
"The accused person will remain at Athi River Police Station until then. His counsels be allowed to have access to him as so ordered," the magistrate concluded.
