Drama ensued at the office of the Deputy Governor in Kilifi County after officials forcefully chased the County Secretary, Martin Mwaro, out of office.
The County Secretary was blocked from accessing the office after Governor Gideon Mung'aro fired him on April 3.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, tension ensued between county officials at the office and the former county secretary's security team, who tried to protect him from the agitated staff.
The county officials openly castigated the former county secretary and chased him out of the office.
One of Mwaro's security personnel, who had drawn a gun, nearly exchanged blows with the officials, who were adamant about ensuring Mwaro could not access the office.
"Get out of here, get out of here," the angry officials shouted at Mwaro as they forcefully pushed him out of the gate.
Although Mwaro was escorted out of the gate to his car, the county officials followed him outside and warned him not to return to the premises. Police present at the premises locked the gate and ordered one of Mwaro's staff to wait outside as he made several phone calls.
Armed with an injunction from the court, Mwaro argued that he had a right to access the office since Lady Justice Mbaru Monica had barred the county from appointing anyone to fill the office.
In the order, the judge ruled that the position should not be filled or advertised until the case was heard on May 5.
"Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order may result in penal consequences for anyone disobeying it," the ruling read in part.
Despite the judge's order, the Kilifi County governor appointed Catherine Kenga, the current County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Public Works, Roads, and Transport, as the Acting County Secretary and Head of Public Service for six months.
Mwaro's security and staff complained that the county officials had blocked all their efforts to access the office, including changing the locks on the doors.
Governor Mung'aro terminated Mwaro's contract, alleging that the decision was made to promote good governance, integrity, and accountability within the county administration.
