A legal dispute between businesswoman Margaret Mweru and Bishop John Paul Thiong’o, the leader of City of Refuge Ministries International, has made its way to the Small Claims Court in Nairobi.
The case revolves around a claim filed by Mweru, who alleges that Thiong’o owes her Ksh 243,000 in unpaid rent for services provided throughout 2023 and part of 2024.
Mweru runs a luxury furnished apartment business, offering short-term stays for high-end clients such as corporate guests, tourists, and individuals seeking premium private accommodations.
Her apartments, listed on popular platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor, are designed to cater to an exclusive clientele.
According to her witness statement, Bishop Thiong’o became a regular guest at her properties, booking the apartments for personal stays on several occasions.
However, despite the agreed-upon rental fee for these stays, Mweru claims that Thiong’o failed to make full payment, leaving a balance of Ksh 243,000.
The situation, as outlined by Mweru, is not a new issue.
The businesswoman claims that Thiong’o had acknowledged the debt multiple times and, in an attempt to resolve the matter, both parties entered into a Debt Repayment Agreement.
This agreement was designed to ensure that the Bishop would pay off the outstanding balance in installments.
However, despite these promises, Thiong’o allegedly failed to make any payments toward settling the debt.
Mweru has provided the Debt Repayment Agreement as part of her evidence, clearly showing that Thiong’o repeatedly pledged to pay the outstanding amount but did not follow through.
Frustrated by the lack of accountability and after multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter amicably, Mweru took legal action.
She served Thiong’o with a demand letter and a notice of her intention to sue, yet these actions did not lead to any resolution.
Left with no other option, Mweru turned to the Small Claims Court, seeking a judgment in her favor to recover the outstanding Ksh 243,000.
Her legal team, PMAK Advocates, is pursuing the case on the grounds of breach of contract, asserting that Thiong’o’s failure to pay the agreed-upon rent constitutes a clear violation of the terms of their agreement.
This legal battle has garnered attention due to the involvement of a high-profile religious figure and the nature of the dispute.
The case has raised questions about accountability, especially when dealing with business transactions involving individuals in positions of influence.
Mweru’s pursuit of legal action is a reminder that even prominent figures must adhere to the principles of transparency and integrity in their dealings.
The Milimani Small Claims Court has scheduled a mention for November 21, 2024, where Judge Hon. Barbara A. Akinyi will hear the case.
The outcome of this session could have a significant impact on how such disputes are handled, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved.
Whether Thiong’o will be held accountable for the debt remains to be seen, but the case underscores the importance of holding all parties accountable, regardless of their status or position.
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