Governor Lenku intervenes after journalist fined Ksh16M in a case against State House official
Governor Lenku intervenes after journalist fined Ksh16M in a case against State House official
Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has announced plans to lead a public fundraising ceremony for a journalist who was ordered by the court to pay Ksh 16 million to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito.
While speaking to the media outside his office on Wednesday, May 27, Lenku said the journalist, together with his family, was unable to pay the amount, prompting them to sell their land in a desperate bid to pay the fine.
However, even the number of parcels is not yet enough to settle the fine, forcing the county government to intervene after the journalist sought help.
“And today I received a report on the preparations for that Harambee event, which will take place Friday. The family is ready, and different groups have already started contributing goats, sheep, and some money to help save the child,” Lenku stated.
“We will stand with this family and this young man to show that the path taken is not in line with our traditions,” he added.
The journalist allegedly published a social media post about the state house official, which Metito termed defamatory, before seeking legal action.
A court in Ngong town then ordered the local journalist to pay Metito the amount that has since proven unable to be settled.
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According to the governor, the fundraising event is scheduled for May 29.
He further asked the family to stop selling the land, stating that the county will step in, with public support, to raise funds to settle the court case.
The governor argued that the punishment imposed on the journalist violated Maasai traditions for resolving disputes between elders and young people.
However, in response to the planned fundraiser, Metito claimed that the money in question will not go directly into his pockets but will instead be deposited through the court.
Upon receiving them, Metito said he intends to use the money to fund substantial community projects to address severe deficits in health, water supply, and basic education.
“All funds raised by Lenku and his associates on 29th will be deposited directly with the court. Absolutely no portion of these funds will go to my pocket or personal benefit; the money will go entirely back to the people ‘Where it Came from’,” he stated in a statement on his social media platforms.
“I will then designate these funds entirely to substantial community projects to address severe deficits in health, water supply, and basic education caused by nine years of Kajiado county’s administrative mismanagement,” he added.
Metito is reportedly gearing up to run for the Kajiado gubernatorial seat in 2027, as his relationship with Ole Lenku deteriorates.
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