Nairobi — A judge yesterday warned televangelist Margaret Wanjiru and the man claiming to be her husband James Kamangu to stop commenting on matters before the court.

High Court judge Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch ordered for the mention of a case challenging the bishop's marriage to South African preacher Samuel Matjeke yesterday purposely to issue the warning to the parties in the case.

"Counsel, explain to your clients the importance of sub judice rule, because I do not want to hear any public outburst about the case," said the judge.

Comments 'sub judice'

The judge, who was reacting to a comment made by the bishop last week in relation to the case, said such comments amount to sub judice.

Justice Aluoch's warning arose out of an application filed by Mr Kamangu who claims to be Wanjiru's husband.

Mr Kamangu claims to have married Bishop Wanjiru in 1978 under the Kikuyu customary law. He paid the negotiated dowry of Sh3,000 and also took traditional liquor to bless the relationship.

Mr Kamangu says he lived with Bishop Wanjiru up to 1989 in Gachie with him enjoying the conjugal rights as the lawful husband.

Bishop Wanjiru, Mr Kamangu alleges, deserted their matrimonial home sometimes in 1989 without any good reason. The case is set to be heard on March 13.

Arrest warrant

Meanwhile, a different court issued a warrant for the arrest of the bishop's bodyguard who is accused of assaulting a journalist.

The bodyguard, Mr Micheal Thuku, who is accused of assaulting the Standard photojournalist, Ms Rebecca Nduku, failed to appear in court for the proceedings.

The warrant was issued by trial magistrate Lilian Motende.