Seth Odongo alias Dikembe Disembe was today released from remand after spending the weekend behind bars. This is after lawyer James Orengo convinced the Principal Magistrate Helen Ndung’u to reduce his cash bail from Sh2.5 million to Sh500,000.
The magistrate also reduced the bond imposed on Odongo by Chief Magistrate Elena Nderitu on Friday last week from Sh5 million to Sh2 million.
Lawyer James Orengo who was representing Odongo said that the initial cash bail and bond set were too high and prohibitive to civil liberties. Orengo also said that Odongo was not a flight risk since he was still a student at Kenyatta University and would therefore not try to escape. Orengo further pointed out that Odongo was not arrested but rather presented himself for questioning.
Dikembe was on Friday remanded for allegedly posting what was referred to as hate speech on his Facebook page. He was reported to have posted an item urging Lamu residents to eject the African colonists from their lands.
Chief Magistrate Ellena Nderitu charged Dikembe with intent to stir ethnic animosity between communities in Lamu. The case will be mentioned on August 8 ahead of the trial scheduled for September 4.
Speaking to the press outside the Milimani Law courts, Disembe said he was innocent stating that the allegations against him were merely part of a witch hunt.
He vowed to continue blogging for on social issues that are affecting the country.
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