This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
On December 10th, 2019, a Kenyan court extended restraining orders against KTDA Factories' directors until February 20th, 2020, in a case involving the election of directors under the constituent factories of KTDA Holdings.
Three tea farmers, Joseph Mbote of Makomboki Tea Factory, Peterson Gathua of Njunu Tea Factory, and Samson Wairugu of Kiru Tea Factory, had filed a petition under the Fair Administration Act, alleging that KTDA's election process was opaque and predetermined.
The petitioners, representing over 620,000 tea farmers in Kenya, sought proper elections of directors to bring about visionary and ethical leadership at KTDA Holdings Limited.
Justice J. A. Makau had initially issued conservatory orders on November 7th, 2019, restraining the nominees from assuming the position of directors, pending an inter-parties hearing.
KTDA has since moved to various courts, attempting to abuse the court process and spending farmers' money in the process.
On November 25th, 2019, Justice W. Korir struck out KTDA's application to have the orders set aside.
Kenya Tea Sector Lobby has urged tea farmers to stay put until the ruling and desist from uprooting tea bushes due to the frustration caused by KTDA's malpractices.
