Court summons Iringo over unpaid award to Tanzanian

A High Court judge has asked the Interior Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo to appear in court on Monday to explain why his ministry is yet to pay over Sh31 million to a Tanzanian businessman for wrongful prosecution.

Justice George Odunga Thursday directed that Mr Iringo present himself to court for further orders after subsequently failing to explain why Mr James Alfred Koroso has not been awarded Sh31,576,584.35 since 2008 as compensation.

The compensation was awarded for wrongful arrest and robbery with violence charges against Mr Koroso at a Kiambu Magistrate court, which later acquitted him in December 7, 1995.

“The Principal Secretary is to appear before this court on June 9 for further orders,” said the judge.

Justice Odunga made the directive after a state lawyer representing Mr Iringo said that negotiations are ongoing in order to reach an agreement on what should be done to Mr Koroso.

“We are not ready for reasons that we are still negotiating to settle the matter and coming up with an agreement, we have discussed at length on a way forward so that we get a direction and sign a consent if any,” said the state lawyer.

But Mr Koroso’s lawyer argued that the PS had on several occasions failed to obey court summons or orders and pleaded with the judge not to tolerate any more explanations.

“We never had any agreement when we came back to court after the first notice to show cause and a warrant of arrest was issued on conditions that the PS should appear himself, we are ready to proceed with this summon,” Koroso’ lawyer said.

Justice Odunga had initially issued a warrant of arrest against Mr Iringo, which was to remain in force until he honoured summons to appear in court.

(Read: Iringo arrest warrant lifted as he appears before court)

TRIED FOR CONTEMPT

The judge had asked the Inspector General of Police to arrest him and take him to court to show why he should not be tried for contempt.

Mr Koroso has sued the Interior ministry and the Attorney General for frustrating his claim for six years, adding that government officials have even threatened to take his life should he not drop his pursuit.

Appellate Judge Jackton Ojwang awarded him the amount after an appeal by the AG which the Tanzanian national claims delayed his pursuit.

Mr Koroso was arrested by Kiambu CID officers in Taita Taveta on December 17, 1993 while he was transporting goods between Tanzania and Kenya after being earlier threatened by police officers that they would deal with him accordingly for refusing to give them some money.

According to Mr Koroso, the arrest and pursuit for compensation has made his incur massive losses in his business as well as seen his son who enrolled in a university in London drop out due to lack of fees as he is the sole breadwinner in his family.

He also claims that his family house is being auctioned.