Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi spent the weekend in police custody. He was released on a Sh1.5 million bond on Friday but could not raise it by 5pm. The MP, popularly known as Sonko, was booked at the Kileleshwa Police Station on Friday night and is expected to process the bond today. Kibera chief magistrate Cecilia Githua released Mr Mbuvi on bail following an application by five lawyers led by Cecil Miller, Paul Muite and Cliff Ombeta.
The court had twice refused to release him on bond. The magistrate also lifted a warrant of arrest issued against him seven years ago for Jumping bail in a Sh18.1 million case. Chief Inspector Joseph Musyoka did not object to the bail application. Mr Mbuvi Is charged with fraudulently obtaining She 500,000 from Ms Patience Chepchurnha Hugo in Mombasa on November 24, last year. In the second count, he is alleged to have conspired to defraud The Carpet Centre Ltd of Shs 8 million on August 16, 2006. The cases will be heard on December 28, and February 1, respectively, Mr Mbuvi, who only joined national politics few months ago, vied on a Narc Kenya ticket and beat former MPs Dick Wethike and Reuben Ndolo by nearly 3,000 votes. However, as soon as he was sworn In, controversy surrounding his past arose, but he dismissed it as an attempt to tarnish his name, The legislator has been accused of, among other things, escaping from lawful custody, fraud, and forging documents to acquire prime land In Mombasa, The new Constitution bars people (acing criminal charges from seeking or holding public office — until they are cleared of wrongdoing.
Bail refers to property or money given as surety that a person released from custody will return at an appointed time. ‘Under the new Constitution right to bail is absolute. However, the court may refuse to grant bail if it might interfere with the case.
The person loses the freedom when they fail to honor subsequent court summons, A warrant of arrest Is issued and the bond Is cancelled, meaning they shall remain in custody until the case is heard and determined.
