By Moses Njagih
Monday September 4, 2006
A Nyeri teacher who won a US immigration visa, popularly known as the Green Card, has been barred from leaving the country.
Mr Festus Mugo Kimari’s hopes of moving to the US in search of greener pastures were dashed after the Immigration Department placed its officials on high alert. The ministry, acting on a court order, has alerted all immigration officials manning the four airports to ensure that Kimari does not leave the country.
Kimari is a former teacher at Mweru High School. The move was occasioned by a case filed against him by four former colleagues over an alleged Sh414,200 loan. The teachers claim that they guaranteed the loan, which Kimari borrowed from Mwalimu Savings and Co-operative Society Limited. They allege that he intends to leave the country without repaying the money.
Through their lawyer, Mr Wahome Gikonyo, the plaintiffs last week obtained orders barring the teacher from leaving until the case is determined. Ms Margaret Nyambura, Ms Bernice Nyawira, Mr Joseph Mbau and Mr Joseph Njoroge have expressed fears that their property might be attached to repay the remaining Sh338,310.
In their plaint filed before Resident Magistrate Mr Kibet Sambu, the teachers say Kimari did not inform them that he had won the Green Card and they learnt recently that he intended to relocate to the US. The case will be heard on September 14.
The Immigration Department has ordered that if the teacher is found at any exit point, his passport should be withdrawn. Those served with the notice are Immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Eldoret Airport and Wilson Airport.
Others are officials in charge of the Western region, Coast region and other border controls.
