Carlbenz Okonya, a member of the County Assembly from Bunyala West, has been charged and jailed on suspicion of defiling a 14-year-old girl.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Prosecution on Tuesday, MCA Okonya was arraigned before Busia Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti and pleaded not guilty to the accusations leveled against him.

PHOTO | COURTESY Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly Carlbenz Okonya charged for defiling a teen

Following an appeal by the prosecution, Magistrate Nyaloti decided that the MCA be held in detention until Thursday, September 28, 2023.

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According to the DPP, the prosecution, led by Faith Kaberia and Abraham Mumo, requested 14-day detention orders and rejected bail and bond requests, citing witness interference.

PHOTO | COURTESY Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly Carlbenz Okonya

"The prosecution made an application to oppose bail and bond and requested that the bail and bond hearing be deferred for 14 days to allow the witness protection agency to assess and place the victim and her family under protection," said the DPP.