Gov Anne Waiguru Ordered to Pay Ksh3.3 Million to CEC for Unlawful Dismissal

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was, on Wednesday, ordered to pay Ksh3.3 Million to former County Executive Committee Member Dr Judy Wathata Kinyua.

The Employment and Labour Relations court in Nyeri made the order after determining that the minister was not constitutionally dismissed in August 2018.

Dr Kinyua, who was the county's CEC for Gender, together with her team, had filed the petition in September the same year demanding Ksh16 Million compensation.

In her petition, Kinyua, through her lawyer Wahome Thuku, revealed that she had a legitimate expectation that her appointment would not be terminated without reason before Waiguru's term elapsed.

She further indicated that prior to her termination, she had made several financial commitments including that of a car loan and that the abrupt dismissal affected her financial standing.

“The Governor failed to exercise her authority in a manner that is consistent with the purpose and objects of the constitution as required under Article 73 (1) of the Constitution," argued Thuku.

Kinyua further argued that given that everyone had a right to fair labour practices, Waiguru and the county government denied her the right by suspending her in July and sacking her on August 20.

"Prior to the suspension from duty, the petitioner had not been given any warning, whether in writing or in any other form by the Governor, regarding her performance. She had never been summoned or interrogated by the County Assembly," lawyer Thuku stated.

The governor is also facing another separate suit from a CEC of Transport, Roads and Public Works who was also dismissed from his position on similar grounds.

Peter Karugumi is demanding Ksh13 Million in damages.