Damages to ex-spy chief welcomed
On Wednesday, the High Court ruled that Former President Moi was liable for detaining Mr Muriithi without trial for three years and ordered him to pay him Sh50 million as punitive damages and Sh80 million as compensation. Photo/FILE
A rights activist on Thursday welcomed the High Court’s award of Sh2 billion to Mr Stephen Muriithi, a former national intelligence deputy director, for illegal detention.
Mr Morris Odhiambo said the order against retired president Daniel arap Moi had opened a new era where government officers would be held accountable for their actions even when they are implementing a State policy.
According to Mr Odhiambo, the court ruling will prompt more former detainees to come forward and take the former president head-on.
On Wednesday, Lady Justice Jeanne Gacheche ruled that Mr Moi was liable for detaining Mr Muriithi without trial for three years and ordered him to pay him Sh50 million as punitive damages and Sh80 million as compensation.
The Sh80 million compensation is to earn compound interest at 12 per cent from July 1982. (READ: Moi ordered to pay ex-spy chief Sh2bn)
Lawyer Job Momanyi described the compensation to Mr Muriithi as excessive and predicted that the ruling would be set aside if an application for review was filed in the same court or overruled if Mr Moi appeals.
“Though the former president did not respond to court papers filed appropriately, the court ought to have been reasonable in ordering of punitive damages,” he said.
