Renowned Somali lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has hit out at Justice James Wakiaga for allegedly describing murder suspect Joseph Irungu alias Jowie as a 'male version of a slay queen and woman eater'.
The famous constitutional lawyer argues that Wakiaga’s statement was prejudicial and uncalled for.
The lawyer says that Wakiaga’s remarks are against the rights of an accused person.
“It was improper, uncouth and embarrassing for a Judge to describe an accused person in such a manner yet the case is yet to be heard and concluded,” he said.
The famous lawyer said that Wakiaga has to excuse himself from hearing the trial.
“The best thing is for him to step aside and allow another Judge to take up the case,” he said.
Abdullahi at the same time hit out at Justice Wakiaga for denying Jowie bail.
The lawyer notes that bail is not a prerogative but a constitutional right.
“Denying accused person bail on the ground that they are a flight risk is an old, tired excuse.
Kenyan’s don’t flee their country to avoid trial,” he said.
Justice Wakiaga has been criticised for his ‘woman eater’ remarks.
Jowie is charged jointly with TV Journalist Jacque Maribe in connection with Monica Kimani’s murder.
He was been denied bail while co-accused was granted Sh1 Million bail.
Justice Wakiaga while denying him bail argued that he is likely to interfere with witnesses.
“His (Jowie's) love for guns is likely is to be a threat to witnesses,” Justice Wakiaga ruled.
The court also denied Jowie bail on grounds that he is a flight risk.
Justice Wakiaga in his description of the accused person termed him a ‘male version of a slay queen and a woman eater’.
The murder trial will start in June 2019.
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