Michimikuru tea farmers who have been demonstrating over poor payment of this year’s tea bonuses are demanding immediate forensic audit of their directors.
The farmers have filed a petition before Meru high court accusing the six embattled directors of ignoring their pleas on what transpired so that they are the only factory paying farmers the lowest bonuses in the whole County.
Justice Nyaga Heston Mbogo ordered for submission by advocates of both parties within ten days for determination to be done as fast as possible.
“I direct the applicants and respondents to serve their submission in ten days. The case will be mentioned on October 29 for compliance. Due to the nature of the matter, these issues should be addressed urgently. It affects many farmers. To come for compliance on 29 October. Advocate to file the submission within ten days,” the judge ordered.
The farmers held their General meeting on September 27 where their deliberations arrived at ousting the six directors and electing new interim directors.
The outcome of the general meeting led to the delay of the case.
They agreed that bonuses can be paid, and demanded forensic audit on the affairs of respondents to find what transpired that bonuses went low.
Lawyer Munene Kirimi said the farmers were angered by ego and ignorance from their ousted directors as they no longer recognise the defunct directors.
Mr Richard Aburuki said they had invited the embattled directors to explain reasons behind poor bonuses but none of them attended.
“They are still transacting business against the will of farmers. We are going to file an application to stop them do anything in the factory. They have already employed clerks to screen tea leaves without advertisement or competitive bidding whereas they have no powers,” he said.
Farmer Gitonga Mwenda urged the high court to immediately bar all the ousted directors not to transact any businesses.
“We are saddened that they are still in the office. We plead for orders to bar them from transacting any business. We are not ready for more protests. We elected six interim directors to act on our behalf. I asked Martha Koome to intervene for farmers to get justice,” Joseph Mung’athia said.
