According to the defence team, their request comes after reviewing details of the case and drawing inspiration from public discussions that have raised questions about the former DP’s past roles and training.
Okanga is facing charges linked to publishing false information and making remarks that the State has described as threatening toward the Head of State.
Okanga is facing charges linked to publishing false information and making remarks that the State has described as threatening toward the Head of State.
A video presented in court shows Okanga addressing Gachagua directly and making a statement interpreted by prosecutors as encouraging the former DP to take violent action against President Ruto.
These remarks formed the basis of the defamation and incitement accusations.
During a press briefing outside the Milimani Law Courts, lawyers Abner Mango, Shadrack Wambui, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino argued that Gachagua’s testimony is necessary for the court to understand the context of Okanga’s comments.
During a press briefing outside the Milimani Law Courts, lawyers Abner Mango, Shadrack Wambui, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino argued that Gachagua’s testimony is necessary for the court to understand the context of Okanga’s comments.
They explained that only Gachagua can confirm whether he ever worked as a District Officer or received any firearm training, matters which have been discussed widely in the public space.
According to Lawyer Wambui, the defence wants Gachagua to clarify whether the remarks attributed to Okanga were serious enough to cause any alarm or whether they appeared humorous or exaggerated, as Okanga’s supporters claim.
According to Lawyer Wambui, the defence wants Gachagua to clarify whether the remarks attributed to Okanga were serious enough to cause any alarm or whether they appeared humorous or exaggerated, as Okanga’s supporters claim.
He stressed that understanding Gachagua’s interpretation is crucial to determining whether the comments qualify as a real threat or simply political talk taken out of context.
Beyond summoning Gachagua, the team is also pushing for President Ruto to appear in court. They argue that only the President can confirm whether he personally heard Okanga’s alleged statements and whether he felt threatened by them in any way.
Beyond summoning Gachagua, the team is also pushing for President Ruto to appear in court. They argue that only the President can confirm whether he personally heard Okanga’s alleged statements and whether he felt threatened by them in any way.
The defence claims this will help determine if the charges brought by the State are justified or if they were based solely on third-party interpretations.
MP Babu Owino expressed confidence in the direction the case is taking. He stated that the defence is satisfied with the progress so far and believes the State is pursuing charges that do not meet the threshold of criminal defamation or incitement.
MP Babu Owino expressed confidence in the direction the case is taking. He stated that the defence is satisfied with the progress so far and believes the State is pursuing charges that do not meet the threshold of criminal defamation or incitement.
He urged authorities to stop what he termed unnecessary prosecution and to focus on presenting credible evidence.
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