Uganda-based Sarrai Group will know their fate on December 15, regarding a case in which they are accused of contempt of court.
The date was set by Lady Justice Wilfrida Okwany on Wednesday, September 7, after she received submissions from the petitioner’s lawyer Jackline Kimeto.
The firm is accused of carrying out operations at the Mumias Sugar company despite the existence of a court order directing the company managers and its staff to cease operations.
The petitioner is accusing Sarrai Group of operating in Mumias under the protection of local politicians.
“I am aware that the contemnors have opted to hide behind inflammatory pronouncements of politicians in the hope that they will protect them,” the advocate said in the court document.
Justice Okwany had on July 28 directed Rai Cement personnel, an affiliate of the Sarrai Group, to keep off Mumias Sugar premises until the case filed is heard and determined.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, Sarrai Group Limited, its directors, agents, employees, servants, subsidiaries and other affiliates including Mumias Sugar (2021) Limited, Rai Cement Limited be ordered to cease and desist any activity and all activities including the operation of machinery, dismantling, vandalism of machinery, removal of assets, or any other activity of whatever nature stored and situated within the premises of Mumias Sugar Limited,” Justice Okwany ruled.
It is during the same period that the court nullified the lease awarded to the Sarrai group in December.
The court also ordered the company to return all the assets belonging to Mumias Sugar Company and directed police in Mumias to facilitate it.
Khaminwa and Khaminwa Advocates through lawyer Jackline Chepkemoi Kimeto accused Sarrai Group of not obeying the court order that stopped it from operating the sugar miller.
“The continuing contempt of the court orders by the contemnors scandalizes and lowers the judicial authority and the dignity of the court,” the lawyer said during her submissions.
The petitioner presented photo evidence that shows Sarrai Group personnel transporting equipment belonging to Mumias Sugar Company.
The photos presented also showed equipment, which the lawyer said were wasting away.
