Suspended Kiru tea factory director Stephen Githiga. [Photo/The Star]Kiru tea factory in Murang’a County on Thursday held an Annual General Meeting (AGM) barely three weeks after another one was done in the same factory following leadership wrangles.In the meeting organized by one faction, Stephen Githiga was endorsed as chairman of the factory that has faced leadership tussles since the beginning of this year.Githiga who has a backing from Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) is taking over from Kirundi  Chege who had organized an AGM three weeks ago.The incoming Chairman was elected by a section of the factory directors on November 27, with a faction led by Kirundi, claiming it does not recognise Githiga as Chairman.Kirundi’s group is against the election of Githiga as Chairman since he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sasini Company early this year, citing conflict of interest.Last month, Kirundi convened the general meeting which Githiga and his Vice Chairman, Eston Gakungu boycotted as they warned usage of photographs in the financial report.Githiga accused Kirundi and his team of working to withdraw the factory from KTDA, saying such a move was not supported by law.In a well-attended meeting, Githiga promised to steer the factory to greater heights, saying farmers have suffered from bad leadership.He promised to seek more direct sales of their tea, noting that selling the tea leaves through auction accrues more commission and other allowances which can be avoided.Githiga extended an olive branch to the rival team led by Kirundi to end the row that started in January this year following his appointment.He promised to bring the board members together to help them undertake their mandate to safeguard farmers’ interests.The board, he said, would work towards sourcing for the direct market which has higher returns than the traditional Mombasa auction.The Chairman further said the leadership wrangles have seen some cases filed in court, saying after the arbitration; he hopes the operation of the board would be smooth.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!