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The mother to Marianne Kitany yesterday claimed Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi knelt before her as he tried to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage on behalf of Meru Senator Mithika Linturi before their customary marriage in 2016.

Rhoda Chepkoech, while testifying in a divorce case pitting her daughter and the senator, told the court that Kitany had invited the senator for a church fundraiser when the proposal was made.

“Sudi even went down on his knees before me at the same function as he asked for Kitany’s hand in marriage on behalf of Linturi. But I told him it was not the right time since we were in a fundraiser,” she told the court.

Attend fundraising

Chepkoech who is a pastor at Africa Gospel Church, told the court that Linturi came with several politicians to the event in 2014 where they raised Sh4.2 million for construction of the church.

Chepkoech stated that among those present were Sudi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Kiambu Governor Ferdinad Waititu, Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba  Murkomen and Deputy President William Ruto’s personal assistant Farouk Kibet.

“The whole of Nandi South was also present, my son-in-law gave Sh1 million and I am so thankful to him for coming for a fundraiser,” she told the court.

The 65-year-old mother said Kitany introduced her boyfriend to her in 2014 and  said they were going to Australia to know each other more.

“In 2016, she said she wanted to bring him home for engagement. The original date was  April 16 but later changed to March 26 after Kittany told me Linturi requested for the date to be postponed,” she told the court. 

Chepkoech claimed before the wedding, she had met Linturi again when she was heading to California for an event and the senator gave her Sh300,000 to cater for her accommodation and travel expenses.

The court heard that there were about 100 visitors in the marriage ceremony and Linturi came accompanied by around 19 people from Meru.

“He came with assorted foods which were Njahi, yams and Nduma…all of them were in sacks full..The food was foreign to the Nandis,” she told the court.

Chepkoech told the court that the negotiations for the dowry were conducted in her sitting room, adding that Linturi was in the house and was wearing a checked T-shirt in blue, white and black and purple trouser.

“We called Kitany and she was asked to identify the person she wanted to get married to. She identified Linturi.

He was asked whether he loves Kitany and he said he does. There was an agreement and the dowry was paid,” she told the court.

Chepkoech told the court that her brother-in-law, Andrew Chepkwony, who was part of the dowry negotiations team asked Linturi whether he was married to which he said he had married before and divorced the wife.

She said Linturi gifted her a car after the marriage ceremony, keys to which she showcased in court and went on to thank Linturi saying the car has helped her spread the gospel.

Visit Igembe

Chepkoech said Kitany and Linturi’s children used to visit her especially during holidays as she became their grandmother.

She said she also have been to Meru, Litnuri’s home for Christmas holiday in Igembe South and has also been to Runda several times.

This, she said, however, changed when Linturi started threatening Kitany and even kicking her out of her Runda home.

The estranged couple are in the middle of a bitter divorce case with the senator claiming he was never married to Kitany.

Kitany’s lawyer Danstan Omari wants Eala MP Mpuru Aburi summoned to explain in court  why he  threatened  Kitany during the burial of Linturi’s father.

Linturi’s lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu said he was unable to respond to the issues and asked the court to direct Omari to make a formal application. The case continues today.