Kitui chamber of commerce probed over ‘fake’ court order

The battle to control and manage the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kitui branch, is now a subject of police probe. Detectives are investigating the authenticity of a court order being circulated by one of the groups.

For over two years, two teams have been tussling over management of the branch’s chamber of commerce. One group which is recognised by the county government is led by Duncan Singi while the other is led by Wilson Muema, both businessmen in Kitui town. Mr Singi’s group has sought the intervention of police to investigate an alleged court order from Machakos High Court which cites Muema as the bonafide chairman of the branch.

Trouble started on May 18, 2012 after Machakos High Court nullified the election of Muema and his team in an election marred by chaos. The order to nullify the elections was issued by Justice M.S.A Makhandia. “The status quo before this date regarding the management and control of the Kitui Branch, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry be restored and stand maintained until elections are held afresh and concluded,” the order which restored Singi as the chairman reads in part.

However, in November 2013 Muema wrote to Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, citing a court order supposedly issued on October 30, 2013 in the same court, reinstating him as the chairman. “It is the request of the business community to be represented in relevant departmental committees (of county government) through elected officials of Kitui chamber of commerce,” a section of Muema’s letter to the governor reads.

However, in a letter to the police, Singi noted that he believed the said court order was fake and did not originate from Machakos High Court, and called on the police to initiate investigations. “I suspect that court order was not issued by Machakos High Court as is being alleged. There were no such orders to reinstate Muema as chairman were issued by the court,” Singi said.

Mwingi Central DCIO Joshua Cheptoo confirmed that investigations were at an advanced stage, adding that Muema and his team had recorded statements. “We are investigating several things, among them the said court order. We have recorded statements from several people and we will definitely get to the bottom of the matter,” Cheptoo said.