Activist Mercy Tarus Faces Contempt Charges for Defying Summons and Discussing Case Publicly During Podcast
Activist Mercy Tarus faced accusations of contempt of court on Friday for failing to comply with a summons.
The key witness in the Finland Education Scholarship Scandal was also charged with publicly discussing sensitive details of the controversial case.
In court, Tarus was presented with video footage showing her talking about the case during her appearance on the Iko Nini Podcast on July 24, 2024.
Wearing a hoodie printed with ‘Kenya ni Home,’ Tarus struggled to explain her actions as the prosecution questioned her alleged contempt.
On September 12, the court ordered Tarus to testify on the contempt allegations raised by respondents, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandagor.
“Serious allegations regarding contempt of court have been made against Mercy Tarus, which she must address. Contempt proceedings are to be taken seriously,” said Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege.
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“She must attend the hearing physically, like the other involved parties,” added the judge.
The prosecution informed the court that Tarus had been served multiple court summons, but she requested to appear virtually for the proceedings.
The defense objected to this request, questioning why she should be allowed to attend virtually when others were physically present.
The prosecutor stated, “We confirm that the summons was served to her via WhatsApp, and she communicated her request to attend virtually.”
Tarus insisted that she first learned of the contempt charge from social media, disputing the prosecutor’s claims.
Since the case began, it has encountered various challenges, including attempts by the judge to recuse himself and witnesses failing to appear in court.
Activist Mercy Tarus Faces Contempt Charges for Defying Summons and Discussing Case Publicly During Podcast
