Noordin Haji, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has dropped a case against six Azimio leaders who were charged with unlawful assembly and malicious property damage.

Through prosecution counsel, the DPP notified the court that they wanted to drop the case in the interest of dialogue and peace.

PHOTO | COURTESY Nordin Haji

The DPP stated that his office desires to withdraw the case against the mps under Section 87A of the constitution to foster peace between the accused and the state. He also requested that the case be dropped.

On Monday, Kahawa Law Court senior principal judge Boaz Ombewa discharged Richard Chonga (Kilifi South MP), Amina Laura Mnyazi (Malindi), Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi, George Yogo Obure, and Esther Oromi who was not present in court.

Magistrate Ombewa stated that he has considered the state's application for the withdrawal of the six accused people under Section 87A, and he, therefore, discharged them.

He directed that the depositors' cash bail be refunded. Through their lawyer Danstan Omari, the six expressed gratitude to the state and the courts for dismissing the case. According to Omari, the state's motives are fundamental. 

PHOTO | COURTESY Nordin Haji

He stated that the charge sheet presented in court wasn't going to be sustained and that it is their considered opinion that Parliament should move quickly and highlight the section so that the state is not disgraced by relying on a section that does not exist, adding that the state should improve on law reform.

"On behalf of the six, four MPs were holding serious positions in the government, we urge the state to be tolerant on political issues and how they handle leaders," he added.

This comes at a time when the azimio la Umoja coalition leader has called off the protests for a week to allow for dialogue.