The High Court in Kericho has suspended the swearing-in of John Chebochok, the newly elected Director of Toror Tea Factory. This decision follows a petition by five individuals who argued that Chebochok’s approval as a director poses a real and imminent threat to the financial stability and reputation of Tegat Tea Factory Limited, the owner of Toror Tea Factory.
The Special General Meeting to approve Chebochok was scheduled for July 18, 2024.
“That in the meantime the AGM scheduled for 18th of this month to swear in John Chebokoch into office as a director is suspended. Matter is scheduled for ruling on 15th of next month,” reads court order.
The matter came up for hearing on Monday, with directions given for the petitioners’ application to be addressed through written submissions.
Usikimye CBO, Wangu Kanja Foundation (K) Registered Trustee, Oxfam, The African Gender and Media Initiative Trustees, and Flonbe Initiative argue that stakeholders and purchasers of tea from the applicants’ company have protested the election of the respondent, leading to the suspension of their business with the applicant and causing a significant financial downturn.
“1st Respondent does not meet the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya, which emphasizes the responsibilities and ethics required of public officers, including integrity, leadership accountability, and adherence to ethical standards,” they argue.
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Group Company Secretary, in response, supported the notice of motion, arguing that Chebochok’s election is not only affecting the sales of the factory to which he was elected but is also impacting the brand of the KTDA and all its smallholder factories. This situation puts at risk the economic livelihood of more than a million farmers who supply tea to KTDA factories.
