This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On July 11, 2019, Justice Jessie Lessit ordered Cliff Ombeta, a city lawyer, to reveal what he is ailing from after he failed to appear in court for his clients in the Willie Kimani murder case.
Ombeta is representing four police officers and an informant who were charged with the murder of three people: Willie Kimani, Josephat Mwenda, and Joseph Muiruri.
The three victims were allegedly kidnapped after leaving Mavoko Law Courts on June 23, 2016, and their bodies were later retrieved at Athi River in Oldonyo Sabuk.
Justice Lessit expressed concern that the court, victims, and other parties in the case have been left in the dark even after Ombeta produced a doctor's letter stating that he was off duty from July 7 to 10, 2019.
The prosecution challenged the letter, saying it does not show what the lawyer is ailing from, and asked the court to invite the DCI to probe the letter and table a detailed report.
State lawyer Nicholas Mutuku argued that the two weeks set aside to hear and conclude the case should not be wasted due to Ombeta's absence.
Through his lawyer Doreen Kiha, Ombeta apologized and said he would appear in court on Monday to explain himself.
