BY SAM ALFAN.
IEBC battles have taken another facet with a service provider claiming over Sh150 million.
Transcend Media Group Limited wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission compelled to pay the amounts for advertising and publicity services rendered during the 2013 elections.
Failure to repay the amounts, Transcend demands that IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba be jailed for six months.
“In default of the said payment, IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba or the person for the time being occupying the office of CEO do show cause why he should not be fined /or committed to civil jail for a period of six(6)months,” Transcend says in court documents.
In 2014, the media firm filed a case seeking the payment of Sh198, 787,892.40 from IEBC for services rendered to it in respect of the 2013, March General election.
Upon full trial the court rendered its judgment on 20th July 2017 in which Transcend was awarded shillings 150,367,882.40 as cost and interest at court rates.
It is the company’s claim that despite numerous demands and notice of intention to execute the court decree, IEBC has adamantly refused and failed to settle the debt.
“The ex-parte is being denied or delayed from enjoying the fruits and benefits of its judgment and interest and other charges continue to escalate to alarming levels at the rate of 1,750,000 shillings every month,” they say.
Transcend Company Director Lai Muthoka argues that it is only fair that IEBC be compelled to pay the decretal sum.
Mr Muthoka claims that 21 days have since elapsed after IEBC was served with the Decree and Certificate of costs on 15th August 2017, but IEBC persists in such refusal to pay.
The aim of the contract was to enable IEBC to carry out successful Elections with the need to sensitive the public through a comprehensive Elections Media Campaign strategy to prepare the public to approximately take part by enhancing understanding, ownership and participation of Kenyans in the exercise.
