Korogocho Member of County Assembly Absalom Odhiambo has been released on a cash bail of Sh 100,000 after denying incitement to violence charges.
Odhiambo is charged with using inciting words which were implied to cause anarchy in the Republic of Kenya.
The court heard that on 25th January 2023 at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga foundation in capitol Hill, the MCA uttered the words “Kwa siasa ya Taifa tunataka tutoke kwenda ikulu tutoe huyu mwizi, nataka tuingie town tufunge biashara, hakuna biashara itaendelea hii town ya Nairobi, ndio William Ruto aheshimu Raila Odinga. Lazima tufunge biashara hii town”.
The accused also faced a second count of offensive conduct for allegedly using threatening, abusive and insulting words with intent to provoke breach of peace.
The MCA denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina.
Odhiambo’s lawyers Danstan Omari and Gregory Ndege, asked the court to release him on lenient bail terms on grounds that he is a public officer.
Omari said Odhiambo was not a flight risk and urged the court not to gag him from addressing the public as requested by the prosecution since it is his job as a politician.
The prosecution did not oppose his release on bond but requested the court to order him not to interfere with witnesses in the case.
After being released on bail, the MCA was cautioned from interfering with witnesses.
The case will be mentioned on 20th February 2023.
