High Court in Nyamira is poised to hear the mention of a petition filed by Kebirigo Tea Factory farmers on 31st of this month.
The petition is meant to compel the factory management to hold a special Annual General Meeting after the last meeting held in November last year collapsed prematurely following wrangles over alleged corruption.
Speaking during the submissions, High court Judge Lady Justice Winfrida Okwany directed that the case be heard soon before court went on recess by end of this month.
Responding to allegations of subjudice by the respondents, Justice Okwany directed that the petitioners desist from issuing reports to the press or through the social media.
The Judge called upon the respondents to file a formal application to the court with evidence on the prejudice happenings and how it was going to affect court proceedings
She cited a different incident where a case in court was discussed by the press and ended up inciting the public who formed goons to attack the court premises.
She issued a stern warning that the court would take the matter seriously if found to be true, to avoid animosity.
However, Justice Okwany noted there was no cause for tension saying the matter at hand had neither been heard, nor any orders issued to warrant public debate.
” No orders have been made in favour of any party to warrant public debate in local or social media, ” she said.
According to one farmer, Jeremiah Migosi, the issues raised in the petition included farmers request for special AGM after their directors allegedly declined to call for one, and allegations of corruption.
He said the farmers will wait for, and respect the court ruling, and that no one would instill fear on them untill justice was gotten.
