Devolution Principal Secretary, Julius Korir, on Thursday, February 3, was summoned over the alleged assault of his estranged wife, Evelyne Koech, who was pregnant at the time.

The PS was summoned by Milimani Chief Magistrate, Susan Shitubi, following an application by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) through State Prosecutor Alice Mathangani.

Last year, the PS had moved to court in a bid to block the case but his application was rejected.

He had argued that the prosecution was being used to coerce him to settle a matrimonial property score.

“The petitioner has not shown how the DPP violated the Constitution by authorising his prosecution, further, if the court quashes or grants the orders sought, it will frustrate the rule of law,” Justice Anthony Mrima ruled.

Korir risked losing his plum job in line with Chapter 6 of the Constitution as well as the Leadership and Integrity Act which indicates that “any State officer automatically goes on suspension after taking a plea in a criminal case.” 

 Koech had reported the alleged assault incident on November 20, 2018, at Hardy Police Station, Karen. 

Medical reports indicated that she had suffered bruises on the abdomen, the forearm, and the legs while she was pregnant.

The report further showed that Koech had swollen and bruised the upper part of the bum.

Prior to that, she had filed another alleged assault case against the PS, who moved to court and blocked any action from the office of the DPP.

The courts, however, granted a restraining order barring the PS from going near Koech and further ordered Korir to restrain from stalking and abusing her either by himself or by using his agents.

Korir was also given 15 days to appear in court for a civil case regarding their divorce, failure to which his wife would be granted judgment.

The PS is also facing a separate case in the children’s court where he is required to pay school fees and upkeep for his children.