Raila Reacts to the Arrest of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has reacted to the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

Mwilu was arrested at the Supreme Court on Tuesday by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over graft-related accusations, abuse of office among others.

She was charged and released on Sh5 million personal bond. High Court has since suspended trial proceedings against her pending hearing and determination of her application where she's seeking to stop the prosecution process.

Speaking in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) during the end of his one-week tour to Germany, Raila urged Kenyans to be patient as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji makes his case against the Lady Justice.

The opposition leader also cautioned those reading malice in her arrest to stop jumping into conclusions.

“If somebody is arrested and charged, there should be enough evidence that will satisfy the public to avoid allegations that the person is being persecuted."

“I have said that people should be patient. We should wait and see what evidence the director of public prosecutions has… I would advise that we exercise patience because patience brings blessings,” Odinga is quoted saying.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader reiterated his support for President Uhuru’s purge on corruption.

His remarks comes even as ODM through its secretary general condemned the arrest of Mwilu terming it "frivolous and reeking of political witch-hunt.”

“In the matter of the DCJ Justice Mwilu, it is difficult not to be concerned about whether the DPP applied his mind to the requirements of Article 157(11) especially in light of Kenya’s recent History,” reads the statement from the office of the party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

“It is to be remembered that at the height of the fight for electoral justice the Judiciary came under sharp criticism with the Jubilee side promising to ‘revisit’ what they called ‘problems’ within the Judiciary following the annulment of the Presidential vote by the Supreme Court.”