Court orders PCEA’s David Ndumo to pay Sh8 million debt as two officials take dock

Embattled Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) elder David Nderitu Ndumo has finally started paying his debt owed to Sheria SACCO after a grueling court battle pitting him against 15 guarantors.

Ndumo told the Cooperative Tribunal in Nairobi that he has already paid Sh1.8 million as part of the debt settlement and was ordered to pay Sh132,000 for the next 48 months.

This comes as a partial relief to guarantors who have been going home with empty cheques after their hard-earned monies have been deducted for the past five years after Ndumo declined to pay in spite of having the ability to do so.

Their lawyer Wambugu Wanjohi welcomed the development after a mention of compliance adding that it is crucial that should Ndumo fail to respect the repayment schedule, he will risk his property being auctioned.

He said his guarantors had suffered badly with some having no money to fend for their families or school fees for their children due to the deductions.

Previously the Cooperative Tribunal had allowed Auctioneers to attach Ndumo’s property in an effort to recover the money including three moto vehicles and other personal effects.

In addition to the over Sh8 million, Ndumo will pay costs as well as auctioneers fees.

“So, a mention will be taken where a consent will be adopted to the effect that if he defaults on any of the 48 monthly instalments of Sh132,000 the Guarantors will proceed to execute,” explained Wambugu who is representing the guarantors.

Ndumo’s installation as the Honorary Treasurer of PCEA in April last year despite a court injunction against the exercise had brought trouble to the two top church leadership who are appearing at the High Court for contempt of court charges.

The duo, Secretary General Rev. Robert Waihenya and Moderator of the church Rev. Thegu Mutahi will be on the dock on March 13 for cross-examination where they will explain why they must not face civil jail for defying court orders.

Court orders barring Waihenya and Mutahi had been issued by Lady Justice Asenath Ongeri who later gave a stern warning when a church adherent brought the issue before her.

“Everyone must obey court orders and those who defy them must be punish. I will use this as an example and a warning to those who believe they can disobey court orders and get away with it,” justice Ongeri had warned.