Nakuru MP, who skipped court sessions, now wants new timetable

 

Nakuru East MP David Gikaria at a Nakuru court on September 26, 2013 during the mention of his case. Photo/SULEIMAN MBATIAH  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Gikaria is accused of stealing 21 steel electric poles of streetlights, 23 lanterns and one road sign named Kimani Maingi.
• The former Nakuru Mayor has on three occasions failed to attend the hearing sessions on the premise that he was engaged in other 'pressing’ state duties.

By JAMES KARIUKI

Nakuru East MP David Gikaria has appealed to have his theft case heard only when Parliament is not in session.

The MP, who is out on a Sh60,000 bond, appeared before Chief Magistrate Samuel Mungai on Wednesday.

The charge against Mr Gikaria states that on diverse dates between July 2 and 4 last year, he stole 21 steel electric poles of streetlights, 23 lanterns and one road sign named Kimani Maingi along Nanyuki road in Nakuru.

He has denied this charge and another stating that he was found with the items at his Pangani home knowing the same had been stolen from the Municipal Council of Nakuru premises.

The accused, who is also a former Nakuru Mayor, has on three occasions failed to attend the hearing sessions on the premise that he was engaged in other 'pressing’ state duties.

WITH THE PRESIDENT

In June, he skipped a mention of the case saying he had been sent by President Uhuru to visit Baragoi in Samburu County alongside a team of fellow MPs to assess the security situation.

But the harsh weather made it difficult for the aircraft they were using to leave Baragoi which delayed their return, he said.

On July 5, he skipped court again saying he was at a leaders’ meeting at State House in Nakuru and later at the ASK Showground for the official opening.

On the third occasion, Mr Gikaria was said to have flown to the Hague with other MPs to support deputy President William Ruto during his trial.

The judge ordered that the case be heard on November 8.