Migori County Secretary, Christopher Odhiambo Rusana, was Friday arraigned in a Kisii court charged with abuse of office.
Rusana appeared before Chief Magistrate, Nathan Shiundu Lutta charged with committing the offence on 29th, February 2016 in which he used his office to confer benefit to Eliud Obonyo by appointing him as supply chain officer.
Defense lawyers led by Rogers Abizai pleaded with the court to grant the accused bond arguing that the said offense was bailable in the Constitution.
Further the lawyers said the presumption of innocence equally applies to the accused adding that he had undertaken to present himself during the trial.
They said the accused shall abide by any condition that the court would impose on him and he would not interfere with any witness.
They informed the court that the accused has been in custody since 30th April after he was denied bail by police adding there was no compelling reason to deny him bail.
However, the Prosecution lawyers led by Jami Yamila opposed the accused’s release on bail insisting he was likely to interfere with witnesses.
They said although the primary consideration for the accused to be released on bail is whether he would attend trial, the big question was the importance of attending court when witnesses have been interfered with.
The prosecution further told the court that some witnesses had already registered concern of being victimized.
The prosecution intends to present 12 witnesses, eight of whom work in the county government, where the accused is a senior officer hence the fear of witness interference.
The court ruled that the accused be held awaiting ruling on bail application.
By Jane Naitore and Chrispine otieno
