Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho Fined Sh250,000 for Contempt of Court

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has been ordered to pay a fine of Sh250,000 for contempt of court.

Joho, who was charged alongside Changamwe MCA Bernard Ogutu, will serve a 60-day jail sentence in default of payment of the fine.

In his ruling on Friday, Justice Munyao Sila stated that breaking the law is not heroic, urging leaders to set a good example.

“Kenyans love peace and would like to live in a country where leaders lead from the front in respecting the rule of law. We want to live in a country that respects the rule of law and obeys court order,” said Justice Sila.

The judge noted that Joho showed no remorse despite being found culpable.

“There is not much remorse in Mr Hassan Joho’s mitigation statement, his apparent lack of remorse is very perturbing to this court,” he added.

Mombasa businessman Ashok Doshi moved to court in 2019 after his parcel of land in Changamwe was raided by Mombasa County officers, creating chaos and damage.

He obtained an injunction barring all Mombasa county officers, officials, and employees from accessing the property.

But Joho and Ogutu ignored the court order and led about 100 hired goons and other political leaders in invading the property on May 10th, 2019, causing more damage.

This prompted Ashok to return to court and filed a contempt of court complaint against Joho and the MCA.

Justice Sila further ruled that Joho will be held liable for any damages suffered by the complainant as a result of the incident.

The court also issued an arrest warrant for Joho, ordering he be taken to Shimo La Tewa prison unless he provides proof of payment of the fine.