[Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho alongside his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi. Photo/Nairobi Times]
The High Court has ruled in favour of Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho, in a case in which he is accused of evading tax payment.
While issuing the ruling, justice Eric Ogola of the Mombasa-based court also barred the police and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) from arresting or prosecuting the governor.
He termed as malicious actions taken against the governor, by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and other state agencies, saying the accused's complaints were valid.
Joho had told the Court, that the president had issued a threat to him, when he visited Mombasa in March, as he re-launched the Mtongwe ferry.
However, the judge dismissed the defense, saying: "Why the flurry of investigations and why now? The respondents misinterpreted the President’s utterances.''
As he dismissed the case, Wednesday, Ogola also indicated the government had intended to destroy the Joho's political career, especially his bid to defend his seat in August.He further ordered the government to restore Joho's security detail.