Contempt of court case against Sarrai group to be handled by another judge

Judge Mabeya noted that he was not the judge who issued the contempt ruling as such not conversant with the proceedings.

"I cannot handle this matter. I therefore direct Mungare J to issue Sentence on June 15th to show cause why the accused should not be imprisoned,” Mabeya noted. 

In the Thursday session defence lawyer Githu Muigai told the court that his clients paid the fine and that that they are in court to show cause why they should not be imprisoned for six months. 

"The Accused are still at liberty to clear their name in the midst of sentencing," Muigai said 

The court was told that Sarrai continued to operate at the firm two weeks after the court orders were issued barring them from operating.

"Sarrai is in contempt of 2 court directives. One of July 2022 & April 2023," lawyer John Khaminwa said. 

The Uganda-based Sarrai Group Limited, Sarbjit Singh Rai, Rakesh Kumar and Stephen Kihumba were found in contempt of court orders issued on July 28, 2022 regarding Mumias Sugar lease case.

High Court judge Donna Chepkwony ordered the accused to pay Ksh.100,000 or serve six months in jail.  

“Sarbjit Singh Rai, Rakesh Kumar and Stephen Kihumba must appear before the presiding judge on 18th May, 2023 to show cause why they should not be committed to civil jail for six (6) months,” the judge ruled.