Man detained in Kisumu court cells for calling an advocate my dear. Photo/chronicle.co.zw
A witness was on Wednesday taken to Kisumu court cells after calling a lawyer ‘my dear’ during the hearing of the governor petition.
Mr Yusuf Masudi was testifying in a case where former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma is challenging the election of Prof Anyang Nyong'o.
During the case hearing, advocate Julie Soweto asked Mr Masudi why he did not include some of the information he was giving the court in his affidavit.
In his response, the witness said, “I need not put everything I hear, my dear,” as quoted by the Star.
Judge David Majanja then interjected and asked him to apologise but he failed to do so and the judge ordered the police officers who were in the court room to arrest Mr Masudi.
Mr Masudi had told the court that he could not make the apology as he was not aware of the mistake that he had committed.
The witness was followed by advocate Gilbert Oguso who later told the court he had explained what the witness should and shouldn't say in court.
After a brief detention, Mr Masudi returned to the court room and he apologized to the lawyer before carrying on with his testimony.
“I have realised I used words not accepted in court. I do apologise for using such words,” he said.
Justice Majanja made it clear that such utterances are unacceptable and sexist so they cannot be allowed in court.
“There is language he uses in his bedroom and in court. Please, this a new Kenya where we respect women by not referring to them as 'dear' but by their titles and full names,” said the judge as quoted by the Star.