A university student who was on Thursday arraigned in court to face charges of dealing in illegal merchandise has blamed his girlfriend's tycoon father for his woes.
Japheth Bakari, a student at Moi University, was charged with being in possession of nine pieces of trophies weighing 8.5 kilos, and estimated to be worth Sh850,000 without a permit.
He denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti, telling the court that he is being framed by his lover's father, who he claimed is against their relationship.
Bakari told the magistrate that his woes started after the rich man allegedly told him to keep off his daughter, identified as Zulekha, but he rejected the demand.
“I suspect that I was framed by the father of my girlfriend because he did not approve my relationship with his daughter who is a fifth-year medical student at Moi University where I am also pursuing my Bachelor of Arts,” he told the court.
He was charged alongside Ibrahim Samson Ali. Bakari unsuccessfully pleaded with the court to review his bond terms to Sh100,000 from the Sh10 million ordered by the judge.
Bakari told the court that Zulekha was ready to testify in his favour. The judge in response told him to preserve her for the purpose.
He claimed that Zulekha's father had threatened to make him rot in prison if he insisted on keeping the relationship alive, on grounds that he is from a poor family.