Standard Media Group legal officer challenges Sh2m fine

A legal officer at the Standard Group, who was fined Sh2 million alongside television show host Jeff Koinange for contempt of court, has appealed the ruling.

Carol Cheruiyot told High Court Judge Alfred Mabeya that the magistrate did not give her time to defend herself yet she was found guilty of contempt and fined alongside Koinange and political activist Tony Gachoka.

Ms Cheruiyot was found guilty of contempt and fined alongside Koinange and political activist Tony Gachoka (pictured). (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Kwacha Group of Companies director Jimmi Wanjigi accused Koinange and Gachoka of discussing a defamation case on television against court orders where they linked the group of companies to the Anglo Leasing scandal.

Through Lawyer Wambugu Gitonga, Ms Cheruiyot said she was not even listed as a party in the matter yet Senior Resident Magistrate Maisy Chesang sentenced her.

The proceedings before the trial magistrate, Mr Wambugu said, were misplaced as she was not listed as a party. He said the issues raised in the matter are weighty and ought to be considered by the court.

He told the court that his client has a young child who will suffer if her mother is sent to prison for failing to raise the fine.

On June 5, the trio was ordered to pay the fine or serve a six-month jail term.

Gachoka was sent to Industrial Police Station where he spent three days after he failed to raise the amount but was released after he appealed before the High Court. On the other hand, Koinange and Cheruiyot through their lawyers filed for a stay of the fine pending an appeal. They, however, deposited Sh100,000.