I withdrew Sh77m Mumias Sugar case due to death threats – Lawyer Kimeto
A lawyer who recently withdrew cases against Mumias Sugar, in which she had claimed Ksh 77 million, has now alleged that she did so under severe duress and threats to her life.
Ms Jackline Kimeto, in a letter dated September 2, 2023, addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the High Court of Kenya at Milimani Law Courts, has requested the cancellation of her previous withdrawal notices, citing coercion and threats.
The letter, of which Nairobi News has a copy, mentions, “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 to assisting the first and second respondents and their proxies in the suits.”
Ms Kimeto alleges that she has been subjected to various forms of pressure and threats, including the threat of imprisonment, coercion, threats to her life, and extreme psychological pressure.
These were purportedly aimed at forcing her to withdraw her petitions that had been filed in the Milimani High Court on March 20 and 22, 2019.
Also read: Lawmaker Peter Salasya celebrates return of Mumias sugar
According to Ms Kimeto, she has not been provided with information regarding the repayment of the contested funds.
Instead, she claims that state officers involved are solely focused on ensuring that the cases are no longer pursued in court.
The letter from Kimeto and Associates further requests an urgent mention date before a High Court judge, given the ongoing court recess, and emphasizes the need for swift action to address the matter.
This development comes amid the withdrawal of at least four cases against Mumias Sugar, which followed President William Ruto’s recent statements regarding those allegedly obstructing government efforts to revive the struggling sugar company.
President Ruto, in a public address last week, issued a stern warning to what he referred to as “cartels” in the sugar sector.
He declared that these individuals faced three possible outcomes: fleeing the country, imprisonment, or death, colloquially referred to as “Mambo ni matatu” (Three Things).
Also read: Lobby groups demand apology from Ruto over remarks on Mumias Sugar cartels