Ruto Death Threats Pushed Me to Withdraw Court Cases – Lawyer
The principal petitioner in the insolvency case against Mumias Sugar Company Kimeto and Associates Advocates has written to the court canceling a withdrawal notice filed on September 1, remarking that the law firm was threatened with death to pull out of the case.
The letter, signed by managing partner Jackline C. Kimeto, cites suicide threats made by state agents as one of the reasons for the withdrawal of cases filed in March of last year.
Kimeto is seeking Ksh76 million after representing the sugar miller in court cases. In her letter to the High Court, she notes that neither the company nor State agents have explained how she will be compensated for her outstanding legal fees.
“Kindly take note that the Petitioner herein wishes to cancel the said Notices as the same was obtained from her through extreme duress and threats to her life, citizenship, and personal liberty by state officers acting with a view of assisting the 1st and 2nd respondent and their proxies in this suit,” Kimeto remarked in a letter.
ALSO READ: President Ruto Maintains ‘It Is Jail, Deportation Or Heaven’ Threat As One Party Withdraws From Mumias Sugar Case
Following President William Ruto’s week-long tour during which he openly threatened alleged cartels sabotaging the sugar miller with death, imprisonment, and deportation, the court cases were withdrawn.
The comments were also made days after another petitioner, Jaswant Rai, was kidnapped in broad daylight by unknown individuals and subsequently withdrew his cases.
After being summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for interrogation, Kimeto had previously claimed that State agents were attempting to scuttle the Mumias cases through threats and coercion.
She had filed a lawsuit against the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for alleged harassment.
Kimeto asserts that the State is compelling her to rescind the cases, but has not provided a payment plan to assist her in recovering her money.
“The petitioner is currently being subjected to force, threats of imprisonment, coercion, threats to her life, and extreme psychological pressure to withdraw her petitions filed with this court on the 20th and 22nd of March, 2019 without any mention as to how her money decrees will be settled in full,” the letter read.
Ruto’s Threats
Mambo Matatu is a directive issued by President William Ruto to individuals involved in the sugar industry.
Ruto has warned that the individuals either have to abandon the country, go to jail, or go to heaven (death).
Without providing evidence, he defended his Mambo Matatu mantra by asserting that corrupt individuals have taken advantage of Kenyans.
Since Ruto’s threats, at least four cases against Mumias have been withdrawn.
Ruto Death Threats Pushed Me to Withdraw Court Cases – Lawyer