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Magistrate orders sick tycoon to appear in court


A city businessman facing a charge of going to a public place while armed has been ordered to appear in court on Friday when he is expected to take plea.

Nairobi acting chief magistrate Daniel Ochenja said failure by Mr Raj Devani to appear in court a warrant of arrest will be issued against him.

Lawyer Robinson Kigen for Mr Devani told the court that his client was still feeling unwell and that he had been given bed rest until Friday.

Mr Kigen sought to have plea taking by his client be deferred until January 28.

Prosecuting Counsel Mr Edwin Konga opposed the application to have the plea deferred and instead asked the court to issue a warrant of arrest against Mr Devani.

“The same reasons were given last time, the prosecution suspects the accused is trying to evade coming to court to take plea,” said Mr Konga.

The businessman is facing a charge of going to a public while armed with a firearm.

Mr Devani allegedly without lawful occasion or excuse went armed with a pistol loaded with ammunition in a public place, Shimmers Plaza, in Westlands, in such a manner as to cause terror to members of the public.

On January 7, the court heard that Mr Devani was ill and could not attend court to plead to the charge against him.

Lawyer Robinson Kigen had told senior principal magistrate Ms Elena Nderitu that his client was not feeling well. The case was adjourned to January 14.