Nimrod Lomorukai at a court in
Eldoret /MATHEWS NDANYI
Turkana South MP John Ariko is among eight suspects who are facing charges of assaulting the son of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai.
Nimrod Lomokurai, 22, testified before a court in Eldoret where the hearing of the case started, alleging that supporters of his father’s rivals planned and executed the attack.
He testified before Principal Magistrate Kesses Cherono, who is hearing the assault case.
The other suspects include Peter Lokutuni, David Nangiro, Jemostar Akooyen, Bornfestus Nabuin, Joseph Ekitela, Sammy Ekitele and James Abel.
They are alleged to have assaulted Lomokurai on April 29, last year, near Lodwar town.
Lomorukai, who is a footballer, told the court that his father had once confided in him about his political enemies in the region.
He added that he was confronted and attacked by an aide to Ariko as he was leaving a hotel where he had been playing a game of pool.
“On that day I was at Cherina’s hotel in the company of my friends Lokatur, Forstin and Desmond. I called my elder brother Lavish to come and pick me from the hotel,” he said.
While waiting for his brother at the parking lot, someone, whom he later identified as Peter Etung, slapped him.
Etung was joined by other people in beating him, causing him to fall.
One of his friends came to his rescue as Lomorukai informed his brother of the assault.
When Lavish arrived, the attackers ran towards the hotel, leaving Lomorukai writhing in pain.
They drove to Lodwar and reported the incident. Lomorukai was issued a P3 form and taken to Lodwar County Referral Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
“I then went home and informed my parents what had happened,” he said.
However, a medical report he presented in court as an exhibit showed there were no blood stains on his clothes or body, contrary to claims he had sustained severe injuries.
Lomorukai is represented by lawyer Richard Warigi.
Apart from assault, the accused also face a second count of conspiracy to defeat justice contrary to Section 117(a) of the Penal Code. The principal magistrate adjourned the case until October 24, for further hearing.
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