A number of appointments made by Nairobi Speaker Benson Mutura, while he was acting Nairobi Governor, have been suspended.
Mutura's appointment of alcoholic drinks and licensing committee members were suspended after petitioners moved to court citing irregularities in the process.
The speaker made the appointment shortly after taking over the Governor's seat from former the impeachment of Mike Sonko.
The petitioners Stephen Mwangi and Eric Kiogora accused the speaker of breaching the contracts of board members in office at the time of the notice issuance.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court issued the orders after the Speaker gazetted the members.
‘’It is hereby ordered that pending the inter parties hearing and determination of this Application and Petition, conservatory orders be and are hereby issued suspending Gazette Notice No.86 of 12th January 2021 announcing that the 2nd correspondent has appointed members of Nairobi City Sub-County Alcoholic Drinks and Licencing Committees,’’ read the court order.
The Nairobi County Government, the Speaker and the County Chief Officer for Commerce and Industrialization have been listed as respondents in the petition. The three have 14 days to file their responses and the mention for judgement is set for 22/3/20.
During his tenure, Ben Mutura also reinstated Janet Ouko as the County Executive Committee(CEC) member in charge of education.
She had resigned from the seat during Sonko’s tenure on grounds that she was going to pursue her own interests.
Benson Mutura held the acting governor seat after Mike Sonko was impeached. The ex-governor was impeached on charges including gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office and commission of crimes under the national laws.
Mutura stepped down from the seat after Nairobi County Assembly approved Ann Kananu’s nomination as deputy governor.
