PCEA officials jailed for defying court orders

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A Nairobi High Court has sentenced two officials of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) to jail after finding them in contempt for defying court orders.

The two,secretary general Rev. Patrick Waihenya received a three-month jail term, while Moderator Rev. Patrick Thegu Mutahi was sentenced to one month. Both officials were also given the option of paying fines instead sh150,000 for Waihenya and sh100,000 for Thegu.

“I hereby find the 1st and 2nd respondents (Waihenya and Thegu) in contempt of this court, and the first respondent will serve three months in jail or pay a sh150,000 fine, while the second respondent will serve one month in jail or pay a fine of sh100,000,” Lady Justice Stella Mutuku ruled.

A photo of Milimani law courts building/photo/Files 

The court found that the two officials deliberately ignored orders halting the installation of David Nderitu Ndumo as the church’s Honorary Treasurer. 

The orders had been issued on April 8, 2024, ahead of PCEA’s 24th General Assembly at St Andrew’s Church in Nairobi, an event that was attended by President William Ruto.

“This court will not take lightly anyone who disregards court orders. A message must be sent to teach those who dare a lesson,” Justice Mutuku emphasized, adding, “Court orders are not optional but mandatory.”

The judge noted that evidence, including video footage from the General Assembly, showed references to the court order, yet the officials proceeded with the installation.

 “I am persuaded that the respondents proceeded with the installation process while aware that there was a court order restraining that process,” she said.

The court dismissed claims by Waihenya and Thegu that they were unaware of the orders, underlining that their actions were deliberate.


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