All the six lawyers representing former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko have quit the Ksh10 million graft case, making the embattled politician to suffer a huge blow in court.
A source from veteran lawyer John Khaminwa's office confirmed that the lawyer as well as lawyer
Assa Nyakundi were among the lawyers who quit the case.
"Yes, all the lawyers including Khaminwa have withdrawn from the case." Said the source that sought anonymity
According to reports, the lawyers accused magistrate Douglas Ogoti of unfairness as he did not grant them enough time to gather evidence from Sonko's previous lawyers.
In early February, Sonko fired his initial legal team and appointed a new one led by Khaminwa to preside over the case.
Khaminwa argued that the trial was being conducted contrary to the law and constitution as it was public trial but it was being conducted in the absence of the media.
Earlier, Magistrate Douglas Ogoti summoned Sonko to appear in court after medical reports showed that the former governor was responsive.
The medical reports from Aga Khan hospital showing that Sonko needed bed rest and was unfit to stand trial were presented in court by Khaminwa.
The reports were however disputed by medical reports from Kenyatta National Hospital which showed that Sonko was responding well to medical tests.
Ogoti stated, "In any case, the condition of the accused had changed, permission should have been sought to seek a further report from the same doctors who in the eyes of the court are independent."
"From what has been outlined, the court has come to the conclusion that no sufficient material has been placed before it, to convince that the accused is unable to attend the court,” he added.
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