Folks,

I believe Kimunya is looking for more trouble. Going by the news, he prompted Orengo to act in the defensive. The Rt. Hon. PM Raila should have a formula for which to send such people like Kimunya to cells when they await finalization of their cases. His case is still being investigated, and here he is reshufling waters. He should await completion of matters at hand, (because he is being investigated in a host of a lot of things some of which are misuse of Government Office, lying with many twisting tounge, handling Public Property/properties like personal and private undertaking) etc., his conduct/behaviour in Public Office has been questionable warranting investigation. Consequently, I trust he should desist from stage managing arena for gambling. He is trying to create a fluid environment to cause to threaten people or confuse or corrupt the investigations. We will stay put until all reports are tabled.

There is no vacuum for meddling in this current Grand Coalition Government – so, if Kimunya cannot coil his tail, let the Government machinery show him how…………

This Grand Coalition Government is mandated to clean the house. There is no turning around or changing tactics. It is an obligation. Therefore, Kimunya is wasting time in playing tough – because he will, whether he likes it or not, melt down.

Yes, he needs to calm down……….

Judy Miriga
USA

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Orengo and Kimunya open legal battle over hotel sale saga
Published on 16/07/2008

By David Ohito

The stage is set for a legal battle between Lands Minister James Orengo and former Finance Minister Amos Kimunya over the Grand Regency Hotel sale.

Their lawyers sent demand notes seeking compensation for alleged defamation and threatened to sue each other.

Orengo’s lawyers wrote to Kimunya over a public statement that was aired and published in local media alleging that he had sought Sh3 million bribe from a city lawyer on July 6.

Through lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee, Orengo said: “The statements are untrue and constitute grave defamation. The allegations, which are completely unfounded and are of a serious character, have already been refuted by the other person mentioned in connection with it.”

Amos Kimunya Nowrojee’s letter demands unreserved apology, suitable withdrawal and that Kimunya should not repeat the publication of similar allegations.

“My client demands damages commensurate with this most serious violation and the injury caused and I invite your offer in satisfactory terms,” reads the letter.

Nowrojee says unless an unreserved acceptance is received within seven days, he would commence appropriate legal proceedings.

On his part, Kimunya’s lawyer, Mr Wachira Mari, similarly sent a legal notice to Orengo, accusing the Lands minister of libel and slander.

The former minister accuses Orengo of maliciously speaking against him on diverse dates in June and July and falsely claiming that the Grand Regency Hotel was sold secretly, undervalued and in contravention of the law.

Injured reputation

“Further, we have been instructed by our client that you altered a copy of the transfer document which you gave to the Press and superimposed a fake photograph of unknown black African male.”

Kimunya’s lawyer argues that Orengo’s words had disparaged his client as a Minister for Finance, MP and professional as a certified public accountant.

Kimunya alleges Orengo’s words portrayed him as corrupt, criminal, fraudulent and unfit to serve in the Cabinet.

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James Orengo

“As a consequence of your publication, our client has been injured in his credit and reputation and has been brought to scandal, odium and contempt. Our client has been led to resign as a Government minister, the President has appointed a commission of inquiry into the sale of the hotel and the Institute of Certified of Public Accountants has threatened to expel our client from his professional calling,” the letter said in part.

Kimunya demands an unreserved apology through a Press conference retracting all published words and a sufficient offer of compensation.

Kimunya has since stepped aside as Finance minister to pave way for investigation into the circumstances leading to the sale of the Grand Regency Hotel.

Last week, President Kibaki appointed a commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Chief Justice Majid Cockar to inquire into the hotel saga and make legal and administrative recommendations in a month.

The Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Planning, Trade and Tourism is carrying out parallel investigation under the chairmanship of Nambale MP Chris Okemo. National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende gave it two weeks.

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Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:30:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Judy Miriga\
Subject: Orengo and Kimunya open legal battle over hotel sale saga