This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
On September 10, 2019, a Nyeri court extended orders stopping the Director of Public Prosecution from charging a controversial Nairobi-based lawyer, Memba Muriuki, over selling prohibited firearms and bullets to businessman Jimi Wanjigi.
The court heard that the judicial review application filed by Mr. Muriuki at the High Court in Nairobi had not yet been determined.
Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo also noted that the order suspending the criminal proceedings, issued by Justice Roselyn Aburili on March 7, 2018, was still in force.
Mr. Muriuki had been summoned to face Ms. Kagendo, but his lawyer, Mr. Kaberia, informed her that a Nairobi court had stopped the criminal proceedings.
The directive issued to the DPP, Inspector-General of Police, and the Nyeri chief magistrate stopped the commencement of the case and plea-taking until further instructions were given.
The DPP, the IG, and the chief magistrate are the respondents in the case.
According to the charge sheet, Mr. Muriuki sold three prohibited self-automatic and self-loading military assault rifles and 100 rounds of ammunition to Mr. Wanjigi on August 12, 2014, and October 17, 2013, at Armament Limited at Umeme Plaza along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The rifles are named as the mini-Acher and CQ models.
