Questions on Philip Murgor’s status as a defence lawyer and contempt claim delayed plea-taking for Sarah Wairimu in the murder of her husband Tob Cohen murder.
Wairimu, who has been in custody for a month, had been taken to court from Lang’ata Women’s Prison for plea taking but Justice Stela Mukutu said she cannot take plea until outstanding issues are resolved. Wairimu is accused of murdering her husband who was buried at the Jewish Cemetery on Tuesday.
Catherine Mwaniki from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that Wairimu should be cited for contempt over remarks she made at Cohen’s burial despite a gag order on the investigative aspect of the case.
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who is retained by Cohen’s DUtch family, too questioned Murgor’s status as a defence lawyer saying he was gazetted as a special prosecutor.
Even though Murgor told the court that he already relinquished the position through a resignation letter, the court said the matter raised was significant and needs to be confirmed.
Justice Mutuku said she needs time until October 1 to determine the issues raised and whether Ombeta and the prosecution should be allowed to file formal applications on their concerns.
