The main petitioner in the insolvency case against Mumias Sugar Company Kimeto and Associates Advocates has written to the court cancelling a withdrawal notice filed on September 1, remarking that the law firm was threatened with death to pull out of the case.
The letter, signed by managing partner Jackline C. Kimeto, has cited death threats by state agents as one of the reasons that led to the withdrawal of the cases filed last year in March
Kimeto is seeking Ksh76 million having represented the sugar miller in court cases, and in her letter to the High Court has noted that the company and State agents have not explained how she will be paid the outstanding legal fees.
"Kindly take note that the Petitioner herein wishes to cancel the said Notices as the same were obtained from her through extreme duress and threats to her life, citizenship and personal liberty by state officers acting with a view of assisting the 1st and 2nd respondent and their proxies in this suit," Kimeto remarked in a letter.
The withdrawal of the court cases followed President William Ruto's week-long tour where he openly threatened alleged cartels sabotaging the sugar miller with death, jail, and deportation.
The remarks also came just days after another petition, Jaswant Rai, was abducted by unknown people in broad daylight and later withdrew his cases.
Before last week's withdrawal, Kimeto had alleged that State agents were out to scuttle the Mumias cases through threats and coercion after she was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning.
She had filed a court case alleging harassment from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
Kimeto alleges that the State is forcing her to withdraw the cases but has not offered any payment plan that will help her recover her money.
"The petitioner is currently being subjected to force, threats of imprisonment, coercion, threats to her life, and extreme psychological pressure to withdraw her petitions filed with this court on the 20th and 22nd of March, 2019 without any mention as to how her money decrees will be settled in full," the letter read.
Ruto's Threats
President William Ruto has issued what he terms as Mambo Matatu for individuals involved in the sugar sector.
Ruto has warned that the individuals either have to flee the country, go to jail or go to heaven (death).
He has defended his Mambo Matatu mantra explaining that corrupt individuals have been taking advantage of Kenyans without providing any evidence.
At least four cases against Mumias have been withdrawn since Ruto made the threats.
