This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang skipped a crucial court appearance on May 3, 2021 to face charges of malicious damage of property and incitement to violence.
Through his lawyer, Jane Masai, Sang claimed he was unable to attend court due to illness and fear of COVID-19 exposure.
According to Masai, Sang had been unwell for a couple of days and was advised by a doctor to isolate himself.
Kisumu Resident Magistrate Beryl Omolo granted the defendants' request for a case adjournment and ordered a hearing in two weeks to confirm Sang's health status.
The charges against Sang include an additional count of assault and destruction of property, stemming from an incident in 2019 where he allegedly led a mob in uprooting tea bushes at Kibwari estate.
The court heard that Sang was armed with a power saw and was caught on camera cutting down the tea bushes on allegedly grabbed land, valued at Sh2 million.
