On April 21, 2022, Nairobi County Speaker Benson Mutura found himself in a precarious situation, facing graft-related charges in court. PHOTO: Richard Munguti
Mutura's lawyer, Dancan Okach, argued that the charges against his client were politically motivated, stemming from his decision to support Deputy President William Ruto over President Uhuru Kenyatta.
‘If you pass by the gates of the Deputy President’s office in Karen you are a subject of prosecution,’ Mutura said in court, highlighting what he perceives as a ‘deep state’ conspiracy.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Anderson Gikunda, disputed Mutura's claims, stating that the High Court order issued by Justice Anthony Mrima did not prevent the prosecution of the legislator.
The court appearance marked an eventful week for Mutura, who had narrowly escaped arrest at his office by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday.