A warrant for the arrest of former Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip has been issued after he failed to appear in court for the hearing of a Sh6 million motor vehicle fraud case against him.
Senior Principal Magistrate Wandia Nyamu at Milimani issued the warrant upon the prosecution’s request.
“The accused has not appeared for the scheduled hearing. I request a warrant of arrest,” the state prosecutor urged.
The magistrate granted the prosecution’s request, ordering the arrest of the accused.
“The prosecution’s application is approved. Police are directed to execute the warrant and report back by April 18, 2024,” ruled Ms. Nyamu.
Mr. Loitiptip had previously appeared in court on November 16, 2023, before Senior Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe, where he denied three charges filed against him by the prosecution.
He had hinted at resolving the matter out of court, explaining that he had sold the vehicle in question to fund his campaign during the previous year.
One of the charges stated that on August 3, 2022, Loitiptip falsely presented a motor vehicle registration certificate as genuine, while another accused him of fraudulently presenting a forged motor vehicle certificate to Samson Malonza.
It was alleged that Loitiptip obtained Sh6 million from Malonza under false pretenses regarding the sale of a Toyota Land Cruiser V8, an act purportedly committed in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.
Despite pleading for leniency due to financial difficulties and health concerns, Loitiptip was previously granted bail of Sh700,000 cash or a bond of Sh1 million.
Interestingly, Loitiptip was brought before Shikwe previously on a warrant of arrest, emphasizing the recurrent nature of his non-compliance with court directives.
