Chihana demands K17m from party faction
As the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) gears up for a convention slated for April 28 and 29 2018, another wrangle has emerged within the party over costs for previous court proceedings.
The party’s president Enoch Chihana is demanding K17 million from party’s secretary general Christopher Ritchie and team who sued the party over dates to hold a convention.
However, Ritchie claims that the amount assessed by his lawyer amounts to K4 million, and not as Chihana claims.
In an alleged leaked conversation between the two, Chihana said his lawyer had already contacted Ritchie’s lawyer Titus Mvalo over the matter.
“My lawyer is going kwa Mvalo now. If you don’t give me that money…..don’t play with me. Right now, Mvalo walandira kale. I am giving Mvalo 48 hours. If he doesn’t respond, we are going with it to court. Akangodinda I am taking my bouncers to get my money. I want my money before Friday,” he said.
Chihana could not comment on the matter when we contacted him on Tuesday, saying he was in a meeting.
However, the party’s lawyer Gilbert Khonyongwa said they are still assessing the extent of costs payable following a court ruling that dismissed Ritchie’s application with costs.
“We are still assessing the extent of costs payable. So, each party will have to justify what should be payable depending on a number of factors: time spent, expenses, disbursements etc.
“So, if the parties can’t agree, the issue will go before the registrar for assessment or taxation,” he said.
In an interview, Ritchie claimed that he leaked the conversation for his safety and that of others.
“He was threatening to use bouncers to get the money from me. I thought it was important for people to know in case anything happens to me and my colleagues,” he said.
Ritchie said the amount payable by his camp is K4 million. He said both camps need to discuss on how they arrived at the different figures and agree on one amount.
He said the wrangle over the costs will not affect preparations for the convention.
