Lead image for Nakuru County officials face jail for failing to pay Sh83m legal fees.
Nakuru County Secretary Samuel Mwaura, CECM Finance Iribe Njogu and Chief Officer Finance Samuel Ndegwa have been summoned in the High Court for alleged disobedience of court orders.
The three are supposed to appear before Judge Julius Nangea on September 16 for allegedly disobeying an order directing the County Government to settle a Sh83.86 million legal fees owed to M.J Okumu and Associates Advocates by August 3.
In a notice to show-cause, signed by Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Soita, the officials are to explain why serious actions should not be taken against them.
“A notice to show-cause is issued to you to explain why you should not be arrested and committed to civil jail for the default of payment of a decretal amount plus interest,” directed Soita.
The officials have until September 16 to ensure the Sh83.86 million debt, including interest and costs, is settled to avoid facing the court over the alleged disobedience.
Okumu claims Sh53 million as the outstanding amount for legal services his firm rendered to the county government.
The firm is also seeking Sh30.86 million in interest on the principal amount, calculated at 12 per cent per annum from January 19, 2021.