Kenyan MP's charges 'unfounded'

2007-08-03 11:28

Nairobi - Kenya's health minister said on Friday that her arrest on charges of helping a women's rights activist escape police custody were unfounded, and that she was simply trying to help the woman see a doctor.

Charity Ngilu was arrested late on Thursday, two days after she drove the woman to a hospital.

She said: "I have not committed any offense. I didn't do anything wrong." Ngilu was speaking from the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters, where she was being held.

Police declined to give details of Ngilu's arrest, but said the charge was justified.

Ngilu 'takes the woman to hospital'

Police spokesperson Eric Kiraithe said: "The law is not going to be compromised in this country." Ngilu's attorney said his client didn't help the woman "escape" because police knew she was going to a hospital.

Attorney Paul Muite said: "First of all, she was taking the prisoner to hospital to be treated because the police had beaten her badly."

He said the hospital released the woman, Ann Njogu, back into custody the next day, so there was no escape.

Njogu and four others were detained this week after protesting parliamentarians' plans to give themselves bonuses of more than $85 000. A judge released them on Thursday, saying they were held without charge beyond the 24-hour limit.

The activists, who held a press conference after their release, commended Ngilu's actions.

Mwalimu Mati, a former head of Transparency International's Kenya chapter, said: "What she did I think was honorable and commendable. In the face of an impending violation or an impending felony ... if a minister is standing there, is she expected to watch?"

- AP