Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu and County Secretary Rufus Miriti have been summoned by the Meru High Court for the second time to explain why the county government has been in contempt of court.
The two respondents were supposed to appear before Justice Alfred Mabeya Thursday to explain why the county government has failed to pay Sh144million to the Nice Rice Millers Company in damages but they sent a representative but the court held that in a contempt of court case, subjects have to present themselves in person.
The Director of the Company Charles Njiru sued the Meru county government for confiscating his rice wagons and destroying the merchandise in 2015.
In his ruling, Justice Mabeya said the contempt case was legitimate and he would have issued an arrest warrant but instead gave the two county officials a second chance to appear before the court to respond to the contempt charges.
Their lawyer, Munga Kibanga said his clients would not appear before the court because of commitments.
He said the Deputy Governor who is also the county Finance executive was on an official commitments whereas the County Secretary was having a medical appointment.
However Justice Mabeya in his ruling said the document presented showing that the County Secretary was having an appointment raised so many doubts since it was dated July 27, 2019.
“Despite all that this court would have issued an arrest warrant but since the people involved are of civility I give them another chance to appear on July 2, 2019,” stated the ruling.
Njiru on his part said he is eagerly waiting for the county government to oblige with the court’s ruling which ruled that he be paid for the loss he incurred.
He said he is willing to agree with the county on the terms, including payment by instalments.
“I am still counting loses incurred therefore I wish the county pays me the money so that my business can stabilize for me to employ more young people,” stated the Director.
By Richard Muhambe
