Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa freed on Kshs4 million cash bail

By Eunice Kayo

Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa and her bodyguard Geoffrey Otieno were on Friday released on Shs 4 million cash bail and Shs 1.5 million cash bail each respectively with an alternative of Shs 1 million bond.

Judge Njoki Mwangi directed that the two deposit their passports at the court and that they will only be allowed to travel if they provide good reasons for their need to travel.

Mwangi further warned the accused against intimidating or threatening prosecution witnesses.

Jumwa and her aide will also be required to appear before court anytime they are needed to do so.

They are accused of fatally shooting 48-year-old Gumbao Jola in Ganda village on October 15, 2019 during the Ganda ward by-election.

Mombasa assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alloys Kemo had opposed the release of the accused persons on bail arguing that Jumwa was an influential person and she was likely to interfere with prosecution witnesses who they intend to rely on during the trial.

Kemo further said Otieno did not have a known residence and therefore it was risky for the court to release him but the defense counsel urged judge Njoki Mwangi to release the duo on bond arguing that the DPP was trying to discriminate against Jumwa.

They said senior people like governors had more serious charges and they were out on bond but the DPP wants to single out the MP.

The man was shot in the shoulder and killed during the chaos and several other people, including police officers, were injured.