Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino at the Milimani Magistrates court on Tuesday. He has been released on Sh500,000 bond and two surities of Sh1 million over incincitment to violence charges. (Photo/Bernard Ramoka)
Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has been released on Sh 500,000 bond and two sureties of Sh 1 million each after pleading not guilty to subversion and incitement to violence charges.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi granted him bond saying that the subversion charge against the MP is no longer applicable in the new constitution.
He also ruled that the prosecution did not give compelling reasons to deny the MP bond or bail.
The youthful MP on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to subversion and and incitement to violence charges.
The lawmaker was arrested on Monday over degratory remarks he allegedly made during a NASA rally in Kawangware on Sunday and spend two nights in police cells.
The MP allegedly reffered to president Uhuru Kenyatta as 'Mtoto Wa Mbwa' which translates to (a child of a dog).
He spend the night at Pangani police station on Monday while he was detained at Kileleshwa police station on Tuesday night.
The lawmaker was arrested after public out cry that sparked violence in some parts of Kiambu and condemnation from a section of politicians.
The prosecution had opposed his release on bond or cash bail saying that he could interfere with witnesses who are ready to testify in the case.
The prosecution also told court that the MP is a flight risk and could abscond court if granted bond or bail.