Court orders PCEA elder to show cause over unpaid Sh8.3 million debt

Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) elder David Nderitu Ndumo could face jail time on January 23, 2025, if he fails to repay a debt of Sh8.3 million.

The Cooperative Tribunal issued a notice requiring him to show cause why he should not be committed to civil jail for failing to repay a loan of Sh5.8 million taken from Sheria SACCO.

The loan has since accrued interest and court charges, increasing the total debt to Sh8,326,042.46.

In case number 727 of 2019, Juma Olago and 14 other individuals, who guaranteed the loan on Ndumo's behalf, took the matter to court.

The guarantors have since been subjected to salary deductions to repay the loan.

A notice from the Cooperative Tribunal’s Deputy Registrar states: “This is to give you notice that you are to appear before this court on the 23rd day of January 2025 at 9:00 am in person or by an authorised agent to show cause, if any, why execution should not be granted.”

Counsel Wambugu Wanjohi, representing the 15 guarantors, confirmed that Ndumo had not made any repayments since the loan was taken.

 He said the case was nearing resolution, with salary deductions for the guarantors expected to be refunded.

Ndumo was also controversially appointed as PCEA Honorary Treasurer in April, despite a High Court order halting the appointment.

Following this, two PCEA leaders—Secretary General Robert Waihenya and Moderator Thegu Mutahi—are facing contempt of court charges, with a hearing scheduled for January 21, 2025.