DPP seeks to gag Humphrey Kariuki on presser
Billionaire Humphrey Kariuki on Monday was legally gagged because the DPP didn't like his invitation to a press conference outside the Milimani courts.
DPP Noordin Haji objected to Kariuki's posts on social media.
In the tweet, the businessman said he was expected to address the media on Monday at 9am at the courts immediately after the mention of his Sh41 billion tax evasion case.
He denies the charges.
In court, the DPP through his assistant Vincent Monda, requested chief magistrate Martha Mutuku to order that there be no comments outside the courts on the three cases facing the accused persons.
However, Kariuki's lawyer, Kioko Kilukumi, objected to the application to gag his client saying the Constitution allows all persons a right to express themselves so long as they don’t offend the sub judice rule.
Mutuku agreed with Kilukumi and declined to give any directions. She said she is not the trial magistrate and directed that any application be made to trial magistrate Francis Andayi.
After the court session, Kariuki and his legal team through lawyer Cecil Miller refused to comment.
"We have nothing much to say, other than we will be coming back again on September 5 for further mention," Miller said.
Kariuki and his co-accused appeared in court for a routine mention of the case. The prosecution confirmed they are yet to supply the defence with witness statements and exhibits.
This article was published by THE STAR on September 3, 2019