By John Mugendi
An order barring a Mt Kenya East Newspaper from publishing, publicizing, posting, writing or even commenting on Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki over a defamatory case filed in court has been extended for two weeks.
The Country Review Newspaper owned by Media Mechanics Company that covers Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru Counties reportedly published defamatory stories that portrayed Governor Njuki in bad light.
The Governor, in court documents seen by the Press Point, argued that the stories that were allegedly published on the Newspaper and the company’s social media handles in October last year were false and meant to tarnish his reputation by painting him as a thief of public coffers.
In addition, the county boss claimed that the said company had declined to stop continued circulation of the content despite being issued with a demand notice.
Among the stories that were published is greening of Kathwana that had been flagged over fraudulent claims.
In a replying affidavit, the company’s Director Edwin Mwenda Micheni through Mwiti and Partners Advocates said there was no urgency in the application dated May 12 made under certificate of urgency as was raised seven months after the alleged publication.
The defendant lamented that the orders restraining them from publishing, writing, posting or commenting on the Governor shows that the plaintiff had intent to stop media from reporting on issues affecting the county and stifling debates on issues of public concern and of importance to Tharaka Nithi residents.
Chuka High Court Lady Justice Lucy Gitari extended the order, while directing interested parties to file amended application within five days with hearing set for June 7.
The court will during hearing of interested parties application give further directions on the Muthomi Njuki application.
