By Tony Wafula
Eliud Wekesa alias ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’ was detained yesterday until today Friday the 12th of May 2023 when the court is expected to make a ruling on his fate. The Bungoma DCIO Mr Elijah Macharia pleaded with the court to detain Mr Wekesa for ten days to pave the way for further investigations.
Mr Simiyu Wamalwa, the responding advocate told the court yesterday that ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’ is a known individual in the entire Western region noting that his residence is known and his wealth too. Wamalwa added that the accused person has been operating the shrine for over 12 years pointing out that the police decided to summon him for probe after the Shakahola incident occurred.
“The DCI has seized on the Shakahola incident to infringe on the rights of Mr Wekesa, let them leave him to worship as provided for in the Constitution,” Wamalwa told the Court. Among the accusations that have been directed against ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’ include alleged radicalization, running an unlawful society, money laundering and the stoning dangers from the public.
Wamalwa dismissed allegations saying that ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’ is loved by many people in the Western region. “When I check on the charge sheet, I can see allegations that the suspect is in danger, it is not true, the man is loved by many people, you can see the court is full to the brim because of him,” Wamalwa added. Wamalwa said that the police have liberty as provided under Article 10 of the Constitution. Bungoma DCIO Elijah Macharia asked the Court to allow the accused to be taken to the medical facility for medical analysis. On his part, his advocate Simiyu Wamalwa disagreed with the plea noting that Mr Wekesa is fit and can express himself. Tom Olando, the Bungoma Law Court Principal Magistrate ordered the police to detain the suspect until today, Friday when he will rule on his fate.
