Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, has hit back at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya after the latter threatened legal action over a scathing attack made by Ichung’wah in the presence of President William Ruto.
In a letter from Oringe Waswa and Opany Advocates dated January 6, 2025, Natembeya’s lawyers referenced Ichung’wah’s comments during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother on January 3 in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County.
The letter accused Ichung’wah of publicly accusing Natembeya, a former Regional Commissioner, of involvement in abductions and murders during his tenure as the Rift Valley region commissioner.
The first-time Governor said Ichungwah’s remarks were defamatory and aimed to portray him as unethical, unprofessional, and responsible for heinous acts, particularly the killing of Kenyans and disposing of bodies in River Yala.
Natembeya also demanded the retraction of the statement and a public apology.
The apology, Natembeya’s lawyers stated, was to be published in the next issues of Nation, Standard, and Star newspapers, echoing the original statement’s format.
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Natembeya also gave Ichung’wah three days to comply, warning that failure to do so would result in legal proceedings to recover all associated costs and damages.
Kimani Ichung’wah fires back at Natembeya
However, Ichung’wah, through his lawyers, has responded. In a letter from Adrian Kamotho Njenga and Company Advocates, the Majority Leader expressed profound disbelief that Natembeya could claim to have a reputation that could be injured.
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The lawyers further referenced what they called public confessions and admissions made by the governor in the past, which they argued were against humanity.
“At the time our client spoke, your client was present and could be seen smiling and nodding enthusiastically in affirmation as our client injected facts in appropriate doses. Your client cannot purport to have been defamed by content delivered in his presence, which he excitedly cheered and amenably endorsed,” the statement reads in part.
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The lawyers demanded for an immediate cessation thereof, and a prominent apology for the defamatory statements made by Natembeya’s legal team in their letter.
In addition, the lawyers warned that failure to make amends will trigger the prompt invocation of the apposite legal tools.
“At the risk of asserting the obvious, please note that any imaginary suit contemplated by your client against our client shall be dead on arrival at the point of lodgment. 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 and libido,” the letter adds.
Ichungwah’s attack against Natembeya came after the Governor condemned the government for the current wave of abductions in the country, publicly urging President Ruto to stop the abductions.
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