Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.[Photo/Nation]
A Homa Bay magistrate has recused herself from a case in which Suna East MP Junet Mohamed is facing hate speech charges.
Homa Bay Principal Magistrate Susan Ndegwa was not clear as to why she would not preside over the case.
“I also disqualify myself from the case due to personal reasons,” said Ms Ndegwa.
Mr Mohammed was first charged in a Homa Bay court on July 21 2017.
The MP was accused of uttering words which went against the National Cohesion and Integrity Act at a political gathering attended by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga and other leaders.
The act was allegedly committed at an Orange Democratic Movement party youth meeting in Homa Bay town.
According to the statement he was blamed of asking Mr Joho to prepare grounds in Mombasa where the Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga would be sworn in a move which could have seen the opposition leader become president.
He was released on a cash bail of Sh100,000 or a bond of Sh500,000 with surety of similar amount.
Ms Ndegwa scheduled the case for mention on January 26, 2017. The case will also be reallocated to another magistrate on that day.