High Court judge Martin Muya ruled on Monday that the prosecution had not given sufficient reasons for Timamy’s continued detention/FILE
Timamy can alternatively post a bond of Sh20 million with a surety of similar amount to secure his freedom.
High Court judge Martin Muya ruled on Monday that the prosecution had not given sufficient reasons for Timamy’s continued detention.
The Lamu Governor is expected back in court on July 16, when his case will be mentioned.
Timamy was arrested last Wednesday in connection with the violence that rocked Mpeketoni in Lamu County mid this month leaving over 60 people dead.
READ Lamu Governor charged with murder, terrorism over Mpeketoni
The prosecution had through State Counsel Alexander Muteti asked Justice Muya to allow its application to have Timamy detained for a further 14 days to enable police conclude their investigations.
Muteti said the Governor is being investigated for alleged murder, forcible transfer of populations and terrorism-related offences in respect to the attacks in Mpeketoni.
He told the court that the offences were serious and investigations could not be completed within a short time.
Timamy’s lawyer Paul Buti opposed the prosecution’s application stating that an arrested person had a right to be released on bond.
Timamy spent the weekend at the Port Police Station.
The killings in Mpeketoni started on June 15 when heavily armed men raided the small town in Lamu County where they shot men and torched a number of businesses. They also raided the local police station in the attack that lasted for more than four hours.
President Uhuru Kenyatta immediately blamed local political networks and warned that no one will be spared in the investigations regardless of their status in society.
Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi (UDF) has since criticised Timamy’s arrest terming it as political.
Timamy was elected on a United Democratic Forum ticket.
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