The legal proceedings surrounding the case of Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and his alleged forged academic certificates have taken an unexpected turn, causing a delay in the commencement of the trial. The transfer of trial Magistrate Felix Kombo has led to a halt in the proceedings, prompting Sudi’s defense team to seek additional time to address the situation. This article delves into the details of the case, the reasons behind the delay, and the implications of these developments.
Oscar Sudi, a prominent political figure representing Kapsaret constituency, is currently facing charges related to the forgery of his academic certificates. The charges stem from allegations that Sudi presented fraudulent academic credentials while seeking clearance from both the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ethics and Anticorruption Commission to participate in the 2013 general elections. Additionally, he is accused of making false declarations under oath using a self-declaration form submitted to IEBC in 2015.
The trial proceedings were set to continue, with only the presentation of the investigating officer’s evidence remaining. However, the trial faced an unforeseen obstacle as trial Magistrate Felix Kombo was transferred, leading to a disruption in the proceedings. This unexpected change prompted Sudi’s defense team to take action.
In light of the new developments, Sudi’s legal defense team put forth a request for an extension of time. They sought Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki’s intervention to grant them the necessary time to address the transfer of Magistrate Kombo. The defense’s argument revolved around the importance of concluding the case under the jurisdiction of Magistrate Kombo, especially considering that the investigating officer was in the final stages of preparing and presenting evidence.
The defense team’s strategy hinges on the belief that having the case concluded by Magistrate Kombo is essential for maintaining the integrity of the trial process. This belief is grounded in the notion that Magistrate Kombo possesses a comprehensive understanding of the case, having been involved in its earlier stages. The defense’s request to involve Chief Justice Martha Koome suggests their intent to ensure a fair and just trial that accounts for the unexpected changes in the trial’s administration.
In response to the defense’s request, Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki directed the case to be mentioned again on August 31. This date has been set for further directions in light of the ongoing developments. It remains to be seen how the court will proceed and whether the defense’s request to conclude the case under Magistrate Kombo’s jurisdiction will be granted.
Source
by: Jusa