Nairobi News

Njuri Ncheke secretary general Josphat Murangiri has condemned the summoning of a journalist by Igembe South branch over a story where a resident has accused Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi of assault.

Njuri Ncheke council, Igembe South branch has summoned Koome Kimenchu, a Royal Media Services reporter based in Maua, alongside John Gikunda, the complainant and Japhet Mutuma, who was quoted in the reports.

In the summon letter seen by the Nairobi News, the three are required to appear before the Njuri Ncheke ‘court’ on May 19 accompanied by a “father” and a witness.

The letter does not clarify the reason for the summons or who the complainant is.

“Don’t fail to appear on the given date,” states the letter signed by Salesio Kirema, the subcounty secretary.

FREEDOM OF PRESS

But Mr Murangiri faulted the inclusion of the journalist in the summons saying Njuri Ncheke respects the freedom of the press.

“The secretary who summoned the journalist belongs to the group of elders who were excommunicated for refusing to vacate office. The Ameru council of elders does not work that way. The journalist should ignore the summons. We will not be seen as if we are curtailing press freedom,” Mr Murangiri said.

Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi said he was not aware of the summons and denied involvement in the case.

The youthful MP has also denied assaulting Mr Gikunda and asked those who witnessed the incident to come out.

The incident is said to have happened on April 29.

“I am not aware that Njuri Ncheke has summoned the reporter. However, they should heed to the summons of the elders,” Mr Mwirigi said.

Earlier, Mr Mwirigi said he addressed a gathering at Aathi market and had no altercation with Mr Gikunda.

Njuri Ncheke courts issue three summons, which if not honoured, the case is heard and decided ex-perte.