Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa on Monday pleaded with a Nairobi court to forgive and spare him jail term, after he was found guilty of disobeying court orders.
Appearing before the Employment and Labour Relations Court, the governor through his lawyer Murango Mwendwa urged the judge not to jail him for six months for failing to reinstate County Secretary Fredrick Njeru as earlier ordered.
The lawyer said that Governor Ragwa was extremely apologetic and he did not intend to disobey the orders given by Justice Byram Ongaya or undermine authority of the court.
“The Governor regrets the turn of events; he says he is extremely remorseful and will request that the court take his apologies,” said Mwendwa on behalf of the county boss.
Ragwa was found guilty of contempt of court, an offence that would have earned him a six-month jail term.
In his defence, the governor said he had amended his mistake by reinstating the Secretary and allocating him a vehicle.
However, Mr Njeru's lawyer argued that he was yet to be given a car and his aides had not been paid, hence Governor Ragwa ought to be punished until he complies with the orders.
“Despite there being court orders, the governor has continued to frustrate Njeru. Because of his conduct, we pray that he be jailed,” urged the lawyer.
Justice Ongaya ordered the two parties to return at a later date with documents confirming compliance of the earlier court order.
