The divorce case between Meru Senator Mithika Linturi and his estranged wife Maryanne Jebet Kitanny will now be heard in Nairobi’s Milimani Law Courts, Family Division.
This is after Justice Abida Aroni on Thursday ruled that she has jurisdiction to hear the matter thereby dismissing an objection by Mr. Linturi that sought to have the matter heard in Meru.
In the case, Ms. Kitanny had asked the court to have the matter transferred to Nairobi from Meru Law Courts saying her life would be at grave danger if the matter proceeds for hearing and determination in Meru, especially when her presence is required in court.
“The applicant is apprehensive that the respondent’s voters might harm her should she travel to Meru,” said her lawyer Danstan Omar.
Ms. Kitanny, through the lawyer, claimed that after she filed for divorce and upon service to the Senator, she received deaths threats which she reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
On his part, Senator Linturi urged the court to dismiss the case saying the court has no jurisdiction to grant divorce or any other matrimonial relief in the absence of a valid marriage between the two.
“The respondent has never celebrated a customary marriage or any other form of marriage with the petitioner as alleged in the petition,” claimed Mr. Linturi’s lawyer.