National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dared Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to make good his threat to sue him over remarks he made against him during a burial in Bungoma on Friday, January 3.
Through Oringe Waswa & Opany Advocates, Natembeya on January 6, issued a demand letter to Ichung'wah asking him to apologise and compensate him claiming the remarks he made at the burial of Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's mother were defamatory to him.
“The words you uttered in front of the huge gathering directed to our client meant and were understood that our client is a murderer, unethical, unprofessional and dismal public servants who was in charge of killings Kenyans and dumping them in River Yala," read in part the demand letter.
“Our client demands, which we hereby do, that you attend to the foregoing within 3 days failing which proceedings will be instituted against you holding you liable for all consequential costs and expenses.”
But in a rejoinder Ichung’wah, through Adrian Kamotho Njenga & Company Advocates, dared Natembeya for a legal battle saying he was ready to take him head-on.
The majority leader noted that any legal suit filed against him would be dead on arrival.
“Should your client succumb to fantasy and proceed with any misguided action against our client, the same shall be subjected to a high voltage legal counter, at your client’s peril as to costs,” Ichung’wah said.
“Any suit your client contemplates against ours will be futile and dismissed at the outset.”
The Kikuyu MP added, “At the time our client spoke, your client was present and could be seen smiling and nodding enthusiastically.”
“In the fullness of time, the wheels of justice shall eventually roar at your client’s doorstep, and there shall be immense weeping and gnashing of teeth,” he said.
The legal demands by the two come barely a week after they clashed during the Bungoma burial graced by senior state officials led by President William Ruto.
Trouble started after Natembeya disagreed with Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli on alleged abductions of youths.
The Cotu boss had claimed that some people were abducting themselves so that they can get funding from civil society organizations.
"On abductions, I work with many organizations across the world, some people are abducting themselves so that they can get money from some organizations," he said.
In a rejoinder, Natembeya termed the comments as unfortunate and asked the government to push for the release of the abducted youths.
“I say this with a very heavy heart. For a leader to stand here and say people are abducting and killing themselves, is unfortunate. It is not for this hallowed grounds,” he added.
“Our children are getting lost and killed; that is the position.”
When Ichung’wah took his turn to speak, he lashed out at Natembeya for criticizing Atwoli.
“Do not think because you are governor, you will chest thumb here. I have seen you in funerals attacking Wetang’ula. Please respect people and we will respect you back,” Ichung’wah said.
“You are an officer; if you know people are being abducted, share the information with the police but do not come here to shout at Atwoli (COTU boss).”
Ichung’wah further noted that Natembeya was a regional commissioner in the last administration, which was also accused of abductions and extra-judicial killings
