Boinett told to effect TSC boss arrest order

The High Court has given Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinett 60 days to settle down in office and then effect an arrest warrant against Teachers Service Commission secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni.

This comes after deputy Inspector-General of Police Samuel Arachi told the court on Thursday that police were unable to arrest Mr Lengoiboni as he was out of the country.

He said police officers would arrest Mr Lengoiboni as soon as he returns.

Mr Lengoiboni is accused of failing to pay retired teachers Sh16.7 billion as pension and salary arrears.

Mr Arachi, who was hailed for heeding summons to attend court in person, said he had alerted the Immigration Department on the pending arrest order, saying Mr Lengoiboni would be immediately arrested upon setting foot on Kenyan soil.

“The Immigration Department has confirmed receiving my letter requiring them to inform me when Mr Lengoiboni left and when he is expected back in the country, upon which we will arrest him pursuant to the court order issued by this court,” he said.

Last month, Justice Janet Mulwa directed police to arrest the TSC boss and escort him to Kamiti Prison to serve a six-month jail term for failing to pay teachers’ arrears.

Justice Mulwa reiterated that Mr Boinett must ensure that Mr Lengoiboni is arrested and escorted to Kamiti for disobeying a court order.

Lawyer Steve Sitima told the court that Mr Lengoiboni had done all in his powers to have the money released but his hands were tied since the matter involved numerous government departments that were unwilling to act expeditiously and have the money released to him for subsequent payment to the retired teachers.