conviction and sentence, which according to him, negated “his right to the
presumption of innocence.”
*
115. The Respondent State submits that this Court has no mandate to examine
or determine whether or not the prosecution proved its case, rather its
function is to ascertain whether the proceedings, considered as a whole,
were fair. It is not empowered to substitute its own assessment of the facts
and evidence as that is a task for the domestic courts. It avers that Article 7
of the Charter entails examination of fairness during the proceedings at all
stages and not evaluation of isolated procedural defects per se. It submits
that in this case, there is no evidence to indicate that the trial was not fair or
that there were any procedural irregularities.
116. The Respondent State specifically asserts that the evidence produced,
inevitably led to the inference that it was the Applicant and nobody else who
killed the deceased, Clement Mbasa. Furthermore, both the trial court and
Court of Appeal assessed the evidence and were satisfied that the Applicant
was guilty. It concludes by affirming that the issue of admissibility of
evidence in court is an issue which requires that the state party be accorded
the margin of appreciation.
***
117. The Court notes that Article 7(b) of the Charter provides that:
“Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This
comprises:
a.
the right to an appeal to competent national organs against
acts of violating his fundamental rights as recognized and
guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in
force
b.
The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a
competent court or tribunal;
c.
The right to defence, including the right to be defended by
counsel of his choice;
32