The Malindi High Court has extended orders stopping the arrest of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi, over crimes allegedly committed during the Malindi by-election.
Malindi Resident Judge Said Chitembwe, on Thursday ruled that the police should not arrest and charge the two governors following an application by Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Vincent Monda.
Mr Monda is his application asked the court to grant him more time to respond to the petition saying the case investigator was transferred to Kericho.
The petitioners’ lawyers Mr Anthony Oluoch and Mr Aoko Otieno who did not object to the adjournment of the case, said they were ready for the hearing.
Judge Chitembwe in his ruling granted the application and gave the director of public prosecutions and the attorney general 45 days to respond to the petition.
The orders issued by the court restrict Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, Police Inspector General Joseph Boinnet and Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa from harassing, intimidating and withdrawing security and firearms from Mr Joho and Mr Kingi.
On March 23, the two governors and the Orange Democratic Movement party moved to court accusing the State of intimidation and harassment of ODM leaders following the Malindi by-election victory for the party’s candidate William Mtengo.