This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
Published on July 17, 2019, a suspect in the murder of lawyer Willie Kimani has rejected his female lawyer, citing a desire to be represented by a male advocate.
Mr. Peter Ngugi Kamau, one of the five people accused of killing Willie Kimani, his client boda boda rider Josephat Mwenda, and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri, told the trial judge, Jessie Lesiit, that he was not getting along with his lawyer, Neilias Kinyori.
Mr. Ngugi claimed he could not afford to hire a new lawyer and asked the government to assist him. However, Ms. Kinyori, who has been representing the suspect pro bono, said his demands were against the law.
Ms. Kinyori stated, 'I have given my best and represented my client well, but if he wishes to be represented by another lawyer, it is his right.'
Meanwhile, the court was informed that lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who represents three police officers in the case, was still unwell and that his doctor had recommended three days of bed rest.
The prosecutor told the court that the happenings were part of plans to scuttle the case since it has reached a crucial stage.
The trial has reached a critical point, with a video recording of Mr. Ngugi's confession of how Willie Kimani and the other two people were arrested, tortured, and killed in 2016 set to be played in court.
