A senior official of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is staring at the prospect of civil jail on January 23, 2025, over an unpaid loan amounting to Sh8.3 million, including accrued interest.
David Nderitu Ndumo had borrowed Sh5.8 million from Sheria SACCO over five years ago, but the debt has ballooned due to interest, leaving his 15 guarantors to bear the financial burden.
The guarantors, whose salaries have been deducted to offset the debt, moved to court in a case filed in 2019 to compel Ndumo to repay the loan or face jail time.
The Cooperative Tribunal has now issued a show-cause notice requiring Ndumo to explain why he should not be jailed. The notice, signed by the Deputy Registrar of the tribunal on December 9, 2024, reads in part:
“This is to give you notice that you are to appear before this court on the 23rd day of January 2025 at 9:00 am in person or by an agent duly authorized and instructed to show cause, if any, why execution should not be granted.”
The guarantors’ lawyer, Wambugu Wanjohi of Wambugu Law & Associates, expressed relief at the tribunal’s action.
“My clients are glad that the tribunal has finally asked Mr. Ndumo to pay or face jail,” he said.
In April, the High Court, presided over by Justice Asenath Ongeri, issued an injunction barring Ndumo from being installed as the PCEA Honorary Treasurer pending the determination of the case.
However, church leaders Moderator Rev. Thegu Mutahi and Secretary General Rev. Robert Waihenya defied the order and proceeded with the installation.
The two clerics now face contempt of court charges, with their case scheduled for hearing on January 21, 2025.
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