Five people suspected of torching President William Ruto’s UDA party Siaya regional offices appeared in court on Monday to face criminal charges.
Michael Ochieng, Felix Omondi, Godwin Omondi, Elly Omondi, and Julius Omondi all disputed the allegations in before Siaya Magistrate Margaret Wambani.
According to the charge sheet, they reportedly set fire to a Sh15 million structure belonging to Mr Peter Achoch, the plaintiff in the case.
The event occurred on March 30 during the Azimio la Umoja protests organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Leonard Okanda, their lawyer, requested that they be freed on a lenient bond or bail.
“I pray that my five clients will be released on reasonable bond or cash bail pending trial. As you can see, they are the real hustlers and cannot afford heavy cash bails or bonds. They live from hand to mouth,” Mr Okanda said.
The court was left in stitches when one of the suspects, Mr Ochieng, said he thought his arrest was and April Fools prank because he was arrested on April 1.
“Other than the second accused, the rest are permanent residents of Siaya town. The second accused was arrested in Kiambu on April 1. They drove him to several police stations while not informing him of the offence he would be charged with. In fact your honour, because it was April Fools Day, he thought someone was pulling a prank on him,” Mr Okanda told court.
