By Gerald Mukembu
In a bold response to ongoing frustration over paltry tea bonuses, Michimikuru tea farmers are calling for an immediate forensic audit of the factory’s ousted directors.
The farmers, who recently held a demonstration over disappointing payments, have taken their grievances to the Meru High Court.
The farmers filed a petition against the six ousted directors, accusing them of neglecting their requests and allowing the factory to become the lowest-paying in the county.
Justice Nyaga Heston Mbogo recognized the urgency of the matter, ordering both parties to submit their arguments within ten days to expedite a resolution.
During a general meeting on September 27, the farmers voted to oust the six directors, opting instead for a new slate of interim directors aimed at reforming the factory’s leadership.
However, a delay in court proceedings ensued as the applicant’s lawyer, Munene Kirimi, had not served the directors with the resolutions from the meeting as supplementary affidavits.
“The farmers are tired of being overlooked and disrespected by the former directors. While other factories are rewarding their farmers with bonuses exceeding Sh50, Michimikuru is offering a mere Sh35. We are demanding a forensic audit to uncover the reasons behind this disparity,” stated Munene.
“I direct the applicants and respondents to serve their submissions in ten days. The court will reconvene on October 29 to ensure compliance. Given the nature of the issue, which affects many farmers, this case must be handled swiftly,” Judge Nyaga ruled.
Chairman-elect Richard Aburuki expressed disappointment in the former directors, who failed to attend the meeting aimed at discussing the poor bonuses.
“They continue to act as if they have authority over factory operations, even though the farmers do not recognize their leadership. We will be filing a motion to prevent them from conducting any business,” he said.
Gitonga Mwenda, a farmer appealed to the court for immediate action against the ousted directors.
“We need urgent measures to keep them out of the factory. An audit cannot be effective while they still have access to operations,” he asserted.
