Oscar Sudi’s Bail Increased Over Absence in Court
Court Increases Oscar Sudi’s Bail After Skipping Hearing in Academic Forgery Case
Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has been penalised by a Nairobi anti-corruption court after failing to attend a scheduled court session in a criminal case where he is accused of forging academic documents.
On Monday morning, Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Felix Kombo ordered an increase of the legislator’s cash bail from Sh200,000 to Sh500,000, citing lack of seriousness in attending judicial proceedings.
The magistrate directed Sudi to deposit an additional Sh200,000, warning that the court would not tolerate conduct that undermines the administration of justice.
MP Risks Bond Cancellation
Sudi also faces the risk of cancellation of his Sh600,000 bond should he fail to comply with court summons or miss future hearings.
The issue arose after the MP failed to appear in court on April 19, prompting the trial court to reject explanations offered by his lawyers, terming them “dubious.”
Magistrate Kombo declined a request by the prosecution to issue an arrest warrant at the time but instead summoned Sudi to appear and show cause why his bond terms should not be cancelled.
Court Rejects Campaign Excuse
Through lawyers Thomas Ruto and George Wajackoya, Sudi explained that his absence was due to intense last-minute campaigns as he sought nomination to defend his parliamentary seat.
However, the prosecution, led by Joseph Riungu, strongly opposed the explanation, arguing that the MP was trivialising serious criminal proceedings.
“The accused person is taking the court process for a ride. These are serious economic crime charges, and political engagements cannot override court obligations,” Riungu submitted.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kombo stated that the court could not be held hostage by political activities.
“The accused is a lawmaker and ought to respect the law and set a good example. There are no sufficient grounds to waive his presence in court,” Kombo said.
Warning Issued
The magistrate warned that Sudi’s failure to appear in court had frustrated the trial process and cautioned that any further absence would lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Sudi had requested that the hearing be deferred until after party primaries scheduled to take place within two days, but the court declined to suspend proceedings on that basis.
Charges Against the MP
In the case, Sudi is accused of forging academic certificates and submitting false information to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during the 2013 General Election.
The matter will proceed for hearing as scheduled.
