Legal Commentary

Private prosecution instituted against ECK Commissions

By Ory Okolloh

Private criminal proceedings have been instituted before the Chief Magistrate?s Court in Nairobi against the ECK Commissioners by a KPTJ member Julius Melli as the complainant on behalf of the Republic. Case is Private Prosecution No 7 of 2008 Republic through Julius Melli versus Samuel Mutua Kivuitu & 21 others before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Gilbert Mutembei. The Chief Magistrate has admitted the 16 charges against the 22 ECK Commissioners related to the management and control of the 2007 General Elections and also issued summons for the 22 accused persons (now suspects) to appear before him for the taking of plea on Wednesday 17th of December 2008. On that 17th of December, the Magistrate will further hear the complainant?s application to be allowed to proceed with the intended prosecution on behalf of the Republic.

Civil society networks are planning to appear in court on that day - please lend your support (and blog about the hearing) if possible.

Full post as published by Kenyan Pundit on December 10, 2008 (boomark / email).