EALA MP Simon Mbugua has been charged alongside two other suspects over the April 30 attack on former NCBDA chairman Timothy Muriuki.
Mbugua, Antony Otieno Ombok alias Jamal, and Benjamin Odhiambo alias Odhis, were on Wednesday charged with robbery with violence before senior principal magistrate Martha Mutuko.
Accompanied by their lawyers Nelson Havi, Cliff Ombeta, Michael Osundwa, and Harun Ndubi, the three denied the charge.
They are accused of robbing Mr Muriuki of Sh100,000 and injuring him at Hotel Boulevard in Nairobi.
“On the 30th day of April 2018 at 11 am at Hotel Boulevard in Nairobi city within Nairobi County, jointly with others not before court, robbed Timothy Muceru Muriuki of Sh100,000 and immediately after the time of such robbery injured the said Timothy Muceru Muriuki,” the charge sheet reads.
The East African Legislative Assembly lawmaker applied to be released on bond, arguing that he is not a flight risk. Lawyer Havi said Mbugua should be given free bond arguing that as a public officer, “he is more than cooperative”.
“The mere fact that he is a public figure should not deter this court from granting him bond. In fact, it is favourable that he be released on a reasonable bail.”
The prosecution did not oppose their bid to be released on bail but asked the court to give them harsh terms.
Prosecutor Solomon Naulikha noted Mbugua has a lot of influence and is likely to interfere with witnesses. The prosecution has lined up eight witnesses in the case.
Mbugua was arrested on Tuesday together with three other suspects. One of the suspects, Stephen Sangira, was not charged as the police said they found no evidence linking him to the incident.
