City Lawyer, Donald Kipkorir announced on Tuesday, September 24, that a defamation case filed against Professor PLO Lumumba has been dismissed.
In a statement, Kipkorir announced that the High Court had dismissed a defamation case filed by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire against his client, Lumumba, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
“Lady Justice Asenath Ongeri of the High Court dismissed a defamation case Embu Governor had filed against my client Prof. PLO Lumumba & EACC. The Governor had alleged she had been portrayed as corrupt! One more litigation victory for my clients in Court,” the city lawyer said.
Mbarire sued Lumumba while he was serving as the Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) which later rebranded to EACC.
Genesis of Mbarire Lumumba rift
At the time she sued Lumumba, Mbarire was serving as the Tourism Assistant Minister in the grand coalition government.
According to the Embu County Boss, she was prompted to go to court because the former KACC director had publicly accused her and her husband, David Appa, of indulging in corruption.
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Lawyer PLO Lumumba had alleged that Mbarire and her husband attempted to bribe him with Ksh 100,000 to halt corruption investigations.
According to the lawyer, the couple had, on numerous occasions, allegedly tried to bribe him to suppress investigations in the Water Ministry that were ongoing at the time, involving a company said to be owned by Mbarire’s partner, who was accused of being awarded tenders illegally.
Mbarire sues PLO
“The reason why these particular individuals’ names are being revealed is because the offence committed is not that one was not being investigated. This is an attempt to bribe and compromise and blackmail the director of the KACC and I believe that it is in the best interest of the country that these individuals are exposed to protect ourselves,” Lumumba alleged.
In a quick rejoinder, Mbarire issued a statement denying any involvement in corruption or bribery attempts.
She termed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, claiming that Lumumba’s allegations were an attempt to tarnish her reputation.
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What followed was a lawsuit against Lumumba and KACC filed by her.
The legal battle between Lumumba and Mbarire has lasted for many years with the judge finally putting the case to rest.
It remains to be seen whether the Embu County Boss will appeal the decision.
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