Four Gor Mahia officials face arrest over Sh524,000 hotel bill

Gor Mahia FC chairman Ambrose Rachier (left) and treasurer Jolawi Obondo. They face imminent arrrest. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The court heard that by April 15, 2016, the club had only managed to pay Sh300,000 and refused to clear the remaining balance.

  • While determining the suit in June 2016, the court ordered the club to pay the money plus interest— orders which the club is alleged to have overlooked.

Four senior officials of Gor Mahia are facing arrest for disregarding court orders pay over Sh500,000 owed to a Nakuru hotel for accommodation services.

Nakuru Resident Magistrate Wilson Kitur on Tuesday ordered the arrest of Mr Ambrose Rachier (chairman), John Pesa (vice chairman), Ronald Ngala (secretary) and Jolawi Obongo (treasurer) and Mr Kennedy Otieno over the contempt.

SUMMONS

This was after they failed to honour summons issued by the court on March 22 to appear in person and explain why they had not paid Sh524,730 to Donnies Bar and Hotel Limited in Nakuru.

“A warrant of arrest is hereby issued against the five respondents for failing to comply with court orders,” ruled Mr Kitur.

“The court directs the officer commanding police station to arrest and bring the officials before this court.”

The four were sued in 2015 by the hotel managers after they failed to honour the agreement the club signed.

Through lawyer Gordon Ogolla, the hotel accused the Kenya Premier League defending champions of refusing to settle a Sh437,080 balance out of the Sh737,080 they incurred after their 42 players and members spent five days at the hotel.

JAIL

In the documents filed before court, the club sought the services of the hotel on January 19, 2015 and agreed to settle the bill in instalments.

The court heard that by April 15, 2016, the club had only managed to pay Sh300,000 and refused to clear the remaining balance.

While determining the suit in June 2016, the court ordered the club to pay the money plus interest— orders the club is alleged to have overlooked.

The hotel later filed contempt proceedings against the club officials.

The managers sought to have the Gor officials committed to civil jail after they failed obey the orders.

The case will be mentioned on May 8 to confirm compliance.