Court orders arrest of Jeff Koinange and Tony Gachoka for failing to respect its orders
A Nairobi court on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest against journalist Jeff Koinange and businessman Tony Gachoka for disobeying its orders.
Nairobi Senior Resident Magistrate Maisy Chesang issued the arrest order after Mr Koinange and Mr Gachoka failed to appear in court to answer charges of discussing the conduct of a company in the media despite a court order barring the same.
The offence was allegedly committed on 'Jeff Koinage Live' show that the journalist hosts on Kenya Television Network (KTN)
“A warrant of arrest is issued against the two respondents for failing to honuor the summons to appear in court. The warrant will be effected through the complainants’ advocates,” ruled the magistrate.
MASSIVE LOSSES
The decision was a result of a complaint by businessman Jimi Wanjigi, Mr Sani Mbui Wanjigi and Kwacha Group of Companies Limited.
They had obtained orders on March 20 barring Mr Koinange, KTN and the Standard Media Group from broadcasting or publishing alleged defamatory statements concerning them and the company.
Despite serving the order, the three complained that Mr Koinange invited Mr Gachoka on his show on April 1 and went ahead to discuss what they were barred from broadcasting.
According to their lawyer Nicholas Nyamai, the broadcast has caused the company massive losses and undermined the court’s authority.
He wants the company paid a total of Sh60 million as compensation for defamation.
The case is scheduled for hearing on June 5.
