A lawyer, who was representing Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo in a contempt case, has withdrawn his services.
Mr Aggrey Musiega withdrew from representing the governor in the matter, alleging that he was being harassed.
Mr Musiega told High court Justice Farrah Amin: “I wish to withdraw from the proceedings because I’m being harassed.”
He then walked out of the court, leaving behind his clients Governor Ottichilo, County Assembly Speaker Hasna Mudeiz, County Secretary Ezekiel Ayego and the County principal legal officer Esther Andisi.
Mr Ottichilo said he could not proceed with the case without a lawyer after his legal representative withdrew from the case.
“I note with a lot of apprehension that my lawyer has decided to move out of this case yet I rely on him for legal representation. My nature of duty is so demanding that without a lawyer, I will be lost. I therefore request for time to source for another lawyer to represent me in this matter of both county and national importance,” said the governor.
Impeached
Governor Ottichilo and the county officials had been summoned to appear in court to respond to the contempt charges. Justice Amin had earlier directed that the presence of the accused would give them a chance to defend themselves.
The governor filed an application challenging the contempt proceedings filed by former county executives Elvuna Kesegwa, Amos Koluwa, Paul Jiseve and Pamela Kimale who were sacked in June this year after they were impeached by the county assembly.
Mr Ottichilo is further accused of ignoring a court order to reinstate the four county executives after they obtained orders stopping the removal from office.
The petitioners are represented by lawyers Geoffrey Sore and Kelly Malenga.
Mr Ayego, the County Secretary and Ms Mudeizi, the Assembly speaker testified over the impeachment of the four executive members.
During cross examination, Mr Ayego said the county government was served with the court orders on June 18, 2021 after the impeachment of the county executives.
Ms Mudeizi denied that she was served with a court order.
“I have heard about the court order but I have not submitted any affidavit in relation to the application. I am a stranger to the application that has been put before me,” said Ms Mudeiza.
She said the Assembly was not aware of the court order barring it from impeaching the four executive members before it made the impeachment proceedings.
The hearing of the case will continue on December 19. BY DAILY NATION