The founder and Bishop of Jesus House of Praise Kiogora Magambo has moved to court to stop Mbeu MCA John Muguna from auctioning him over a Sh300,000 debt.
Muguna sought the services of the auctioneers after the Bishop failed to honour an out-of-court settlement entered in February this year.
According to court documents, Magambo was to pay Sh50,000 on February 28 and instalments of Sh100,000 in March, April and May.
However, Muguna tells the court that Bishop Magambo only paid Sh50,000 on March 1 and another Sh50,000 on May 25 contrary to their agreement.
Bishop Magambo moved to the Small Claims Court after Viewline auctioneers attached his vehicle and household items valued at Sh2.6 million.
Under a certificate of urgency, the man of the cloth wants the court to stop the auction arguing that the auctioneer fees are exaggerated and that the property set for auction does not belong to him.
“Due to hard economic times, my business has been doing poorly. I am only able to raise Sh30,000 per month towards paying the debt.” Bishop Magambo states in his affidavit.
The dispute started in 2023 after Mbeu MCA lent Bishop Magambo Sh300,000 sent via MPesa between February and June.
Muguna says the Bishop failed to refund the money leading to a demand notice in September.
The demand notice written by advocate Edwin Kimathi and seen by Voice Daily states:
“Our client has tried to have you refund his money to no avail. You have been taking him in circles. In fact you have stopped picking his calls.”
In January this year, Muguna through his lawyer filed a case in the Small Claims Court before they entered an out-of-court settlement in February.
In a replying affidavit, MCA Muguna tells the court that Bishop Kiogora “is not before the court with clean hands”
In opposing Magambo’s application, the MCA argues that the Bishop’s MPesa statement showed he was a man of means as it indicates huge sums of money.
“The applicant is proprietor and Bishop of Jesus House of Praise where he collects colossal sums weekly in tithes, gifts and offerings. He is also in the process of putting up a Sh6bn Praise Mall…he is well endowed financially and only out to frustrate me.” Muguna argues.
He adds that Bishop Magambo has not provided any evidence that the property set for auction does not belong to him.
The matter which is before Resident Magistrate Habrovinah Nyamweya is set for mention on June 10, 2024.
