Ex-altar boy Moses Kuria to cool heels in police cells during Pope’s visit
Former altar boy and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has been denied a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the Pope after a Nairobi court ordered for his detention till Friday.
Mr Kuria was arraigned at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s court on Wednesday where he was charged with incitement to violence and disobedience of the law.
Prosecution opposed bail for the controversial MP on grounds of public interest.
Prosecution argued that the MP faces a similar case and has not shown remorse. Further, that his release may jeopardise state security.
Mr Kuria’s lawyer Danson Mungatana counteracted that the charges are meant to persecute the politician and that prosecution is driven by a political agenda.
The court ordered that the MP to remain in custody at Kilimani police station until Friday pending a ruling on bail. Later, the Judiciary announced that the courts would only reopen on Monday, a development that means Mr Kuria will remain in the police cells until then.
MPs and their spouses will be among dignitaries who will receive Pope Francis at State House, Nairobi, when he jets in Wednesday evening.
The MPs have also been given special cards and invitation letters to attend the papal mass on Thursday at the University of Nairobi grounds.
Born 47 years ago in Gatundu South, Mr Kuria was an altar boy at Gatundu Catholic Church when he was in primary school.
The latest case arises from his utterances at a recruitment drive for youths to work on National Youth Service projects in his constituency.
He was shown on video telling the panga-wielding youths to attack anyone who opposes NYS projects.