The murder trial of psychiatrist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso took a dramatic twist at Milimani High Court on Tuesday after a team of high profile lawyers abruptly quit.
Lawyers Cliff Ombeta, Danstan Omari, Samson Nyaberi, Martina Swiga and Shadrack Wambui told Justice Alexander Muteti they could no longer represent Rose Mbithe Ndetei and her two children, Chris Mulwa and Angela Mulwa.
The move came moments after the three, together with Police Constable Elijah Kibelion Kimoi and Maritim Kimutai, pleaded not guilty to the July 29 murder of Dr Mutiso along Mawensi Road in Nairobi.
Ombeta told the court the client relationship had broken down.
The team said they walked into court ready to argue bail, only to find a new application filed without their knowledge that accused investigators of torture, bribery and tribal discrimination, and a letter copied to President William Ruto alleging malicious prosecution.
“I cannot be in this game, please let me get out,” Ombeta said.
Justice Muteti granted the withdrawal.Mbithe, who has spent 60 days in custody, looked distraught.
She said her lawyers never visited them in remand to get full instructions. The court set October 6 for bail hearing.
