The prosecution will call only nine witnesses before closing its case in the ongoing trial of Turkana South MP John Namoit Ariko and seven other accused persons facing assault charges
In her ruling, Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh stated that the proceedings will be brought to an end once the remaining state witnesses are accorded the opportunity to testify in the matter.
They include two medical doctors, a document examiner and an official from a mobile telephone provider, Safaricom, who are expected to provide forensic details that could link the suspects to the crime scene.
Cheronoh reiterated her commitment to ensure the speedy hearing and determination of the assault case facing the eight suspects, who also include a pastor, which commenced two years ago.
“There should be no cause for alarm or worry from the defendant’s side over the pace at which the trial is moving. I am committed to dispense this matter in the soonest time possible,” assured the Magistrate.
Eleven key witnesses, among them the victim, Nimrod Lomurukai, a professional footballer and his elder brother, Lavish Lomurukai, have already testified against the accused persons.
Cheronoh was reacting to concerns raised by the accused persons over a scheme being deployed by the state counsel to delay the hearing and conclusion of the matter.
The suspects, through their lead counsel Gabriel Ekusi expressed their reservation over the manner in which their case was being handled, noting that the state counsel was using adjournments to delay the conclusion of the case.
Ekusi brought to the attention of the court that the Turkana South MP has been forced to skip several key parliamentary committees in the National Assembly where he is a member to just come and attend the court case.
The MP and his co-accused Peter Lokutuni, Davis Nangiro, Jemostar Akooyen, Bornfestus Nabuin, Joseph Ekitela, Sammy Ekitela and James Abel are charged with the alleged assault of Turkana Governor’s youngest son aged 22.
They committed the said offence on the night of April 29, 2024, at Cherina Hotel on the outskirts of Lodwar town in Turkana County.
The accused persons are also charged with conspiracy to defeat justice Contrary to Section 117(a) of the Penal Code. They have all denied the assault charge.
The accused persons are out on a Sh 150,000 bond each with surety of a similar amount.
During the proceedings, the governor’s son, identified as Nimrod, recalled how his father once confided in him about his political enemies in the county before the incident.
Nimrod narrated how he was confronted and attacked by Turkana South MP’s close aides as he was leaving Cherina Hotel where he had been playing a pool game.
He told the court that as he was waiting for his elder brother at the parking yard, he was slapped by someone whom he later identified as Peter Etung, who was joined by other people in beating him.
“I fell on my stomach after Etung rained heavy blows on me and a friend of mine who was standing at a distance rushed to my rescue from the mob,” testified Nimrod.
In his evidence in chief, the governor’s eldest son, Lavish, recalled how he received a distress call from his younger brother asking for his assistance following a vicious attack from a group of rowdy men associated with the Turkana South lawmaker.
“I vividly recall receiving the distress call from my brother on the material night, claiming that he was under attack from a group of people said to be supporters of the MP.
The case is scheduled for hearing on July 29, 2026 and August 5 and 7, 2026.
by Ekuwam Sylvester
