City lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta on Monday April 15 withdrew from representing former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa in an extortion case.
The two lawyers had successfully obtained Echesa’s release from detention to facilitate his medical treatment after he became ill while in custody.
However, they have now both withdrawn their legal services to the former CS without divulging further details.
“Kindly note that we are no longer acting for the above-named person. Any communication with regards to him should be directed to him or his representatives,” Omari said in a letter addressed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Echesa was booked at the Muthaiga Police Station on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, after he presented himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters where he was grilled for four hours.
He was accused of extorting Sh250 million from Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa by false pretense, cyber bullying, and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Also Read: Rashid Echesa Breaks Silence Over Arrest, Accuses Ruto Aide
Danstan Omari Defends Former Sports CS
Earlier, Justice Diana Kavedza of the High Court in Kibera had issued orders stopping the police from arresting or detaining Echesa.
The order followed an application for anticipatory bail that was made by both Omari and Ombeta for their client.
Danstan Omari and Ombeta were able to secure momentary freedom for the former CS who was released from police custody to seek medical attention after he complained of illness.
Consequently, the court on April 3 granted Echesa a personal bond of Ksh2 million and directed him to appear before the police once he is discharged from the hospital before April 23.
Also Read: Lawyers Poke Holes in Rashid Echesa Arrest, Issue Demand
Echesa Mounts Blame to Farouk Kibet for His Arrest
Following his release, the former CS while addressing his supporters accused President William Ruto’s close aide Farouk Kibet of orchestrating his recent arrest and troubles.
Echesa was speaking in Kakamega on April 12, 2024, during a prayer day following his discharge from hospital.
Furthermore, he accused Farouk of helping Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa in the investigation which in turn saw him being put behind bars.
“The person who helped Fernandes Barasa in my arrest is my friend, with whom we both campaigned for President William Ruto in the last election for votes, and his name is Farouk Kibet,” he said.
