Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly, Carlbenz Okonya, has been arrested and is currently held in custody on charges of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecution announced that MCA Okonya was brought before Busia Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti, where he pleaded not guilty to the accusations made against him.
However, Magistrate Nyaloti has ruled that the MCA will remain in detention until Thursday, September 28, 2023, following a request from the prosecution.
The Director of Public Prosecution explained that the prosecution team, led by Faith Kaberia and Abraham Mumo, had applied for the suspect to be held in custody for 14 days and had objected to any bail or bond requests, citing concerns about potential interference with witnesses.
“The prosecution submitted a request to oppose bail and bond and suggested that the bail and bond hearing should be postponed for 14 days to allow the witness protection agency to evaluate and provide protection for the victim and her family,” the DPP stated.