A Nairobi court yesterday summoned Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi to explain why his Sh600,000 bond should not be cancelled for skipping a hearing.
Sudi is charged with forging his academic credentials and presenting a false declaration in the 2013 general election at IEBC offices in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu.
He was ordered to appear in court on Monday.
Trial magistrate Felix Kombo of Milimani Anti-Corruption Court fell short of issuing a warrant of arrest as had been requested by the prosecution. This was after Sudi’s lawyer Thomas Ruto sought indulgence stating the MP was “busy finalising his campaigns for nomination in the quest to retain his seat”.
“There is no sufficient grounds to waiver the accused person’s presence in court as he has deliberately failed to appear in court for his trial as he was required,” Kombo said, adding the absence was “dubious”.
Senior state counsel Joseph Riungu said Sudi was taking the court process for a ride, saying the charges he faces are “serious economic crimes”.
Kombo said the accused “has frustrated the court process. The magistrate warned that if Sudi absconds the hearing, the court will issue an order for his arrest. Riungu opposed the adjournment saying the reasons given are inadequate.
“The court should not be held at ransom in the face of political activities,” he said. “He [Sudi] is subject to the procedures of law and justice that guide a trial.”
Sudi wants the case to be postponed until he completes his campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s Jubilee Party primaries.
His lawyer Ruto told the trial court the politician has sought conservatory orders and a stay against the proceeding at the High Court.
In the forgery case Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi has denied uttering false documents and proving false information to an officer at the Independent Electoral and boundaries Commission.
The prosecution alleges that Sudi’s diploma certificate in business management, allegedly issued by the Kenya Institute of Management, and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education certificate from Highway High school were forged.