Coca-Cola spared for destroying a “sacred” fig tree planted by Raila Odinga
Coca-Cola spared for destroying a “sacred” fig tree planted by ODM leader Raila Odinga at Posta Grounds in 2014
A judge has dismissed a suit by three activists against Coca-Cola for ‘damaging’ fig tree Raila planted at Posta Grounds in Homa Bay town in 2014.
The Environmental and Land Court’s Justice GMA Ongondo dismissed the lawsuit because the three activists failed to show how the beverage manufacturer had intimidated or infringed their rights and freedoms after the tree was uprooted by its truck.
A pickup from one of the Coca-Cola bottlers struck the tree on March 25, 2017, while reversing close to Bunge grounds, which led to legal action.
Evance Oloo, Micheal Kojo, and Walter Opiyo accused Coca-Cola of maliciously damaging the ornamental tree scientifically known as ficus sycamorus or Bongu in the Luo language, which was planted by Mr. Odinga on August 2, 2014.
They sought compensation for the firm to facilitate Raila Odinga to visit Homa Bay and plant another tree at the same spot where he had planted the one that was destroyed.
“It is, therefore, my considered view that there are no constitutional issues that warrant adjudication by this court. So, the instant petition may very well constitute an abuse of the due process of the court,” the judge said.
The environment campaigners had also requested a proclamation that the tree be adopted by the residents of Homa Bay as a sign of the communities’ commitment to environmental protection, good health, and benefits.
The Luo Council of Elders, Mr. Odinga, and Kisii Bottlers were identified as interested parties in the activists’ lawsuit against Coca-Cola Company Limited, Kisii Bottlers, and Almasi Beverages.
Almasi Beverages operated Kisii Bottlers, Mount Kenya Bottlers based in Nyeri, and Rift Valley Bottlers in Uasin Gishu County before it was acquired by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa on June 12, 2019.
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