Linturi, Kitany divorce case will continue to be heard in public, Magistrate rules

The much publicised case pitting Meru Senator Mithika Linturi and his estranged wife Maryanne Kitany will continue to be heard in public.

This follows an application that complained of distorted reports in the media about the case.

Magistrate Peter Gesora however cautioned journalists against misreporting and further directing that they comply with media guidelines.

The two parties had raised concerns with the manner of reporting and sought to have them restrained from making conclusions.

The court in its ruling however noted that the parties voluntarily decided to have the matter be heard in public and it will remain as such.

In February 2019, Linturi was dealt a blow after a court ruled that Kitany should not be evicted from their Runda home.

This meant that she would remain in the home until the divorce case is heard and determined.

On June 3, 2019, a Nairobi court also ruled that the marriage certificate produced in court by Linturi as proof of marriage to his first wife had discrepancies.

In the case, Linturi had asked the court to strike out divorce proceedings by Kitany, saying he is married to only one woman.

The legislator argued that Kitany’s claims of a marriage were false, adding that even if photos of the alleged customary marriage exist, they do not make the marriage legal and they prove nothing.

The lawmaker told the court that he only allowed Kitany to stay as a visitor.