Lamu Governor Issa Timamy freed on Sh5m cash bail

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Lamu Governor Issa Timamy freed on Sh5m cash bail

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy at the High Court in Mombasa on June 26, 2014.

[h=3]In Summary[/h]

• The governor had been in police custody after being arrested in connection with the violence that rocked Mpeketoni in Lamu.
• Mr Timamy is represented by about 10 lawyers led by Mr Paul Buti.
• Mr Buti argued that the treatment given to the governor was degrading.
• The case will be mentioned on July 16

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has been released on Sh5m cash bail or Sh20m bond with two sureties.

(READ: Timamy charges similar to Uhuru’s)

The governor had been in police custody after being arrested in connection with the violence that rocked Mpeketoni in Lamu County a few weeks ago that left over 60 people dead.

(READ: Toll hits 65 after five more die in fresh Lamu raid)

On Friday, the prosecution asked Justice Martin Muya to allow its application to have Mr Timamy, 56, detained to enable the police to conclude their investigations.

Senior principal prosecution counsel Alexander Muteti told Justice Muya that the governor is being investigated for alleged murder, forcible transfer of population and terrorism-related offences in respect to the recent attacks in Mpeketoni.

“There are compelling reasons why the suspect should remain in custody; a total of 65 lives were lost in the incident,” said Mr Muteti.

Mr Timamy is represented by about 10 lawyers led by Mr Paul Buti, who opposed the prosecution’s application, stating that an arrested person had a right to be released on bond.

“I urge you to order the suspect be be released on bond. The court should take judicial notice that he is an advocate of the High Court and the governor of Lamu,” said Mr Buti. He also argued that the treatment given to the governor was degrading.

The case will be mentioned on July 16.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy freed on Sh5m cash bail - Counties - nation.co.ke

 

[Ivonya-Ngia]

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[Ab-Titchaz]

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Lamu Governor Issa Timamy: I'm being crucified for my fight against graft

Mr. Timamy has made it clear that his arrest was masterminded by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Ikua.

The governor accused the officials of tormenting and treating him with contempt even before his "premeditated" arrest. He claimed the three officers avoided him when they visited Mpeketoni after the killings. "They treated me with hostility when they arrived. They were reluctant to greet me, avoided me and excluded me from meetings with administrators.

They even refused to allow me to address the barazas they held. In all events, I had to force myself on them," he said and questioned why Ikua remained in charge of the Lamu County Security Committee after the removal of other security officials.

Timamy insists that he was being framed due to his crusade against corruption.

"They want to profile this as an ethnic issue. The truth is that the killings have the face of Kenya, but there is another motive. Since my election, I've been fought and have not known a moment of peace... The Lapsset project is meant to rake in billions for corrupt cartels. I am seen as an impediment. Because of my faith in accountability and transparency, I must be taken out," added Timamy.

He further stated that detectives were trying to manufacture evidence to prove a theory first propounded by President Uhuru Kenyatta that the massacre in Mpeketoni, which happened mid this month, was perpetrated by local politicians.

"I am being accused of things I can never conceive. They have resorted to propaganda that I have committed acts of terrorism and crimes against humanity, yet the Government has refuted terrorism in the attack. These are international crimes. But I have been arrested without evidence because the powers that be are trying to show they are doing something... it's a cover-up. I must therefore be sacrificed," he added.

Mr. Timamy says the State ordered his arrest and detention in order to enable it manufacture evidence.

"I know unscrupulous elements are mobilising the recording of fake statements," he said.

Timamy says that when the first attack occurred on June 15, he called Ikua for consultations and the officer promised to call him back but never did.

"I called Ikua immediately I received reports of the Mpeketoni attack at about 8pm and he told me he would get back to me. He never did. I tried to reach all other security officers in vain. Some of these officers have been transferred, not interdicted as you are being told. Ikua has not though he chairs the (Lamu]) county security committee. The same officers whose duty is to detect and prevent crime, and should be answerable for the atrocities, are now my accusers."

Timamy said the authorities were determined to prove the killings targeted one tribe and push the "local political networks" theory, but the motive was deeper. He said the Jubilee government was plotting to find a reason to dissolve the Lamu County government to create room for a pliant one that would allow plunder of local land and the Lapsset projects.

The Governor described himself as a man of peace whose conscience was clear in spite of the "ICC-like charges transferred to me."

Standard Digital: Standard Digital News : : The Counties - Lamu Governor Issa Timamy: I'm being crucified for my fight against graft

 

[Ngongo]

Salalaee naona Kenyetta akiitumbukiza Kenya katika machafuko ya kidini na kikabila.