Kenyan MP charged with obstruction, helping prisoner escape
Tuesday November 27 2018
Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi in court on November 27, 2018, when he was charged with police obstruction and helping a prisoner to escape. PHOTO | DAVID MUCHUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
A Kenyan lawmaker was Tuesday charged with obstruction of a police officer and helping a prisoner to escape.
Igembe South lawmaker John Paul Mwirigi was arrested on Monday and taken to Mikinduri police Station in Meru County, central Kenya, for mobilising taxis and motorcycle drivers to oppose an ongoing road safety crackdown.
Mr Mwirigi, Kenya's youngest MP, 24 , pleaded not guilty to the charges before Meru Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Abuya.
The defence team sought his release on bond saying the offences are misdemeanours.
The prosecution, however, argued that there was public unrest and that he may interfere with investigations.
Mr Mwirigi was represented by three lawyers.
He appears in court on December 5 while the hearing was set for February 25.