Chadema leaders, supporters to appear in court today

 

21st January 2011

 

 

CHADEMA top leaders and dozens of their supporters are expected to appear in the Arusha Resident Magistrate’s Court here today to answer charges of taking part in an illegal rally, which turned violent and caused the death of three people a fortnight ago.

According to court records, on January 5, this year, Chadema party leaders and supporters held a public rally without permission from police. State Attorney Augustine Kombe said in doing so, the leaders and their supporters breached the Police Force Ordinance.

Those lined up to appear in court today before presiding magistrate Charles Magesa include party’s national chairman, who is also Member of Parliament for Hai, Freeman Mbowe, secretary-general, Dr Wilbroad Slaa, chief of protocol, Bazil Lema.

On the list also are MPs - Philemon Ndesamburo (Moshi-urban), Joseph Selasini (Rombo) and Godbless Lema (Arusha-urban). Others; are party members Josephine Slaa, Derick Magoma, Richard Mtui, Acquilene Chuwa, Proches Koimario, Nai Stephen, John Raymond, Juma Samwel Wambura and Dady Igogo.

Other members expected to appear in court are; Kennedy Bundala, Esebio Akaro, Bakari Issa, Elisante Noel, Kelvin Onyango, Michael Daudi, Prosper Kimaro, Peter Marua, Frank Logath, Matheus Valerian and Walter Mushi.

The state is also accusing Pancras Kimario Swalehe Salum, Mevongori Lukumay and Daniel Titus of taking part in the illegal rally.

Magistrate Magesa postponed the hearing of the criminal case after the accused were released on bail two weeks ago.

Lawyers Method Kimomogoro and Albert Msando are representing the accused, while the state is represented by State Attorney Agustino Kombe.

Meanwhile, all victims of the January 5 skirmishes have been discharged from all hospitals in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions. In an exclusive interview with ‘The Guardian’ here yesterday, Arusha regional chief physician Salash Toure said, “The victims have been discharged, as most of them responded well to the treatment,” he said.

When contacted for comment, Arusha Urban MP, Godbless Lema said 85 percent of the patients from Selian and KCMC have been discharged.

“We’re making closer follow-ups on the remaining victims,” Lema said, without disclosing the exact number of patients remaining in hospitals.