Patiala Distillers Limited has issued a demand to Senators John Methu and Karungo Thang'wa to withdraw statements allegedly linking the company to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The company, through lawyer Danstan Omari, sent cease-and-desist letters to the two lawmakers on Friday, October 2, giving them 48 hours to comply with its demands or face legal action. The letters were prompted by remarks attributed to the senators that were circulated on social media and other platforms.
The company wants Senators Methu and Thang'wa to immediately stop making, repeating, reposting, or endorsing any claims that Kindiki owns, controls, operates, or finances Patiala Distillers. They have also been instructed to stop associating the company with the manufacture, distribution, or sale of counterfeit or illicit alcoholic products. Patiala Distillers further demanded an unequivocal, unqualified, and unconditional retraction and apology from each senator.
The senators have been told to issue the apology and retraction with prominence similar to that of the original statements and to specifically clarify that Kindiki does not own or control the company. The demand letter, seen by TUKO.co.ke, stated that the company considers the claims damaging to its reputation and business relationships. The allegations could affect consumer confidence and its relationships with distributors, retailers, and regulators.
Patiala Distillers described the claims against it as false and defamatory, while maintaining that it operates independently and holds the licenses and regulatory approvals required to conduct its business. The company objected to being drawn into a political contest, maintaining that it is not a party to the political dispute surrounding the claims. According to Omari, the attempt to introduce the company's name and products into a political contest is wholly unjustified.
The company has given the senators 48 hours from receipt of the letters to meet the demands. Failure, refusal, or neglect to comply would result in legal action against the two lawmakers without further notice. Omari warned that the company will commence legal proceedings against the senators if they do not comply with the demands.
Patiala Distillers operates independently and has the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals to conduct its business. The company's reputation and business relationships could be severely impacted if the claims are not retracted and apologized for. The senators' statements have caused harm to the company's reputation, and it is seeking to protect its interests.
The demand letters are a clear indication that Patiala Distillers will not tolerate any unfounded claims that could damage its reputation. The company is taking a firm stance against the senators, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the demands. The issue is likely to be closely watched, given the prominence of the individuals involved.
Key points
- Patiala Distillers Limited has given Senators John Methu and Karungo Thang'wa 48 hours to withdraw statements linking the company to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
- The company wants the senators to stop making claims that Kindiki owns, controls, operates, or finances Patiala Distillers.
- Failure to comply with the demands will result in legal action against the senators.
