The Milimani High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Mukuru Kwa Reuben Chief David Ndirangu after he failed to appear in court despite being summoned to give evidence in a dispute over the ownership of Gatoto Community Primary School.
Justice Gregory Mutai had directed Ndirangu to appear before the court on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to address issues surrounding the long-running school ownership dispute.
When the matter came up, however, Ndirangu was absent. His lawyers told the court that he had since been transferred from Mukuru Kwa Reuben to another workstation.
The explanation did not convince Justice Mutai, who found that Ndirangu’s transfer did not excuse his failure to comply with the summons.
The judge consequently ordered his arrest and directed that he be brought before the court.
“The court has noted that David Ndirangu’s absence has not been properly explained, and his transfer is not a proper reason for him not to honour court summons,” Justice Mutai ruled.
Senior Counsel Martha Karua also opposed the explanation offered on Ndirangu’s behalf, pointing out that the former chief had only been transferred to another location within Nairobi County.
“My lord, the chief was transferred within Nairobi County, and that cannot be the reason he is not in court,” Karua submitted.
The arrest warrant followed a request by Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, who urged the court to take action against officials who had failed to comply with its summons.
Kanjama argued that the summons were personal and therefore required the individuals named in them to appear before the court themselves.
He asked Justice Mutai to order the arrest of the chief and another public officer and have them brought before the court to explain their failure to comply with the orders.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat appeared before the High Court after honouring his summons in connection with the Gatoto Community Primary School dispute.
Lagat is expected to give evidence before the court as it continues hearing the matter.
