Court blocks IEBC, tea board from swearing in directors

The Nyamira High Court yesterday issued an interim order restraining the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Tea Board of Kenya, their agents, and representatives from swearing in or confirming the nominee directors of Gianchore, Nyankoba, Kebirigo, Nyansiongo, Tombe, and Sanganyi Tea factories.

This order is pending the hearing and determination of the application dated July 9 2024. The orders, issued by Nyamira High Court Judge Justice W.A. Okwany, certified the matter under a certificate of urgency. 

Six farmers

The case is scheduled for mention on  July 16, 2024. The orders followed a petition by six farmers—Moffat Teya, Evans Maoga, Elijah Nyabuti, Joshua Nyambacha, Joseph Nyamwaro, and Samson Kibegwa—who sued the IEBC, Tea Board of Kenya, KTDA, six tea factory companies, and 30 directors.

Petitioners claimed the elections were conducted unlawfully, as they took place on the Sabbath, which is their day of worship, instead of the initially scheduled Friday. They also argued that the IEBC failed to provide sufficient notice to growers and candidates after postponing the election at the last minute. The Seventh Day Adventist Church, East African Union Conference, and Nyamira SDA Conferences have been listed as interested parties in the case.

In a related matter, the same court issued an order restraining the newly elected Nyamira boda boda officials from being sworn in and assuming office until the case filed against them is heard and determined.