Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly Carlbenz Okonya has been charged and detained on allegations of defiling a 14-year-old girl.

The Director of Public Prosecution in a statement on Tuesday said MCA Okonya was arraigned before Busia Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti where he pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.

Magistrate Nyaloti however ruled that the MCA remains in custody until Thursday, September 28, 2023, following an application by the prosecution.

According to the DPP, the prosecution led by Faith Kaberia and Abraham Mumo had sought orders to detain the suspect for 14 days and opposed bail and bond requests citing witness interference. 

“The prosecution made an application to oppose bail and bond and requested that the bail and bond hearing be deferred for 14 days to allow the witness protection agency to assess and place the victim and her family under protection,” stated DPP.