Court Orders Tony Gachokas Release, Suspends Sh2M Fine

The High Court has ordered the immediate release of businessman Tony Gachoka and the suspension of Sh2 million fine or his imprisonment.

In a ruling made Monday morning, Justice Weldon Korir also directed that the case at the magistrates’ court be put on hold pending the hearing and determination of an appeal against the decision by Principal Magistrate Maisey Chesang.

Gachoka and TV Show host Jeff Koinange had appealed a decision by Magistrate Chesang to hold them for contempt of court.

Last week, Principal Magistrate Chesang fined Mr Koinange and Mr Gachoka Sh2 million or six-month prison term for contempt of court.

The two are accused of discussing a case involving businessman Jimi Wanjigi, his brother Sani Mbui Wanjigi and the Kwacha Group of Companies on Koinange’s show despite a court order barring them from doing so.

The businessman then filed a contempt of court case against the two after they failed to adhere to court summons.

Mr Koinange managed to raise the needed amount last Friday and was released on bail while Gachoka was jailed after he failed to make bail.