This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa's murder trial took a dramatic turn on July 8, 2021, when she instructed her lawyers to withdraw from the case, citing a fall-out with her bodyguard, Geoffrey Otieno Okuto.
Justice Anne Onginjo, who is handling the murder case, was forced to adjourn the trial due to the developments.
Geoffrey Otieno Okuto, who is facing trial alongside Jumwa, requested the court to give him more time to find a new lawyer after Jumwa's lawyers withdrew from the case.
Okuto's surety was also withdrawn, leaving him exposed to arrest and jail if he fails to secure another surety.
More than five witnesses had traveled from Nairobi to testify in the case, but their fares were refunded after the adjournment.
The case was scheduled to be heard over three days, with the court hearing four witnesses each day. The prosecution has 32 witnesses lined up.
Jumwa and Okuto have been accused of murdering ODM supporter Jola Ngumbao on October 15, 2019.
Ngumbao, who was an uncle of Ganda Ward MCA Reuben Katana, was shot dead when Jumwa, Okuto, and their supporters allegedly stormed the ward rep's home and caused chaos.
