Governor Mutua admits receiving warrant of arrest, explains what it means
Machakos governor Alfred Mutua has set the record straight after talk went rife that a warrant of arrest had been placed against him by the Machakos Environment and Lands Court.
Presiding Magistrate C.N Ondieki issued the said warrant after Mutua's office failed to pay a sum of Ksh5,590,443.15 to businessman David Gitau Thairu despite a July 30, 2020 court directive.
The court reportedly ordered the OCS Machakos Police Station to present the county chief in court.
"These are to command you to arrest the said Governor, County Government of Machakos and unless they shall pay to you the sum of Ksh 5,590,443.15/= as noted in the margin, together with executing officer’s expenses and fees, if any, to bring the Governor, County Government of Machakos before the Court with all convenient speed," Judge Ondieki directed.
But in a quick rebuttal, the former government spokesman took to his social media accounts clarifying that the order was not placed on him as an individual but rather on the office of the governor of Machakos. The governor further brushed off the issue, stating that it was a normal occurrence in government.
"I have been notified of a warrant issued by the Machakos Environment and Lands Court for me to appear before it. I wish to clarify that the warrant is not directed to me as a person BUT to my office as the Governor of Machakos. This is normal in government," he said.
The county head added that county lawyers, who have been handling the case, are set to move to court under a certificate of urgency to set the orders aside. Mutua has affirmed that his administration is willing to pay the businessman once funds are available. He also sought to absolve himself from the blame, stating that the governor is not liable to mistakes of omission and commission of officers in the county government.
"The county is willing to pay, once funds are available and further that as Governor I’m not liable for the mistakes of commission or omission of officers in the county government. I’m a believer in the rule of law whose core tenet is the obedience to court orders," he stated.
