Controversy surrounding the management of Kiru Tea Factory has deepened with arraignment of security guards hired by a faction of the board.
The 19 guards from Trackman Security Services Company, who took over from Cobra Security Company, were charged with trespass, creating disturbance and giving false information to a public servant.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges and posted a Sh20,000 bail each for their release, pending hearing. The suspects had contested taking plea, arguing that there was no complaint against them as their employer had signed a contract with Kiru Factory.
They were arrested on Monday when factions' leaders Chege Kirundi and Stephen Githiga moved to Murang’a County Commissioner’s office for a meeting with security officers following simmering tension over the company's contract expiry dates with Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA).
Kirundi, a former chair of the factory, said the contract lapsed in June 30, while Githiga, a former CEO at Sasini limited, said the contract was renewed in February with an effective date of July 1.
