Firm’s board to probe attack claim

The Board of Directors of Shelter Afrique will meet next Thursday to discuss the nature and circumstances of the altercations between senior officials of the company.

The managing director, Mr Alassane Ba, allegedly assaulted the organisation’s Finance Director, Ms Karen Kandie, at their offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi on June 28.

Ms Kandie alleged that she was assaulted by Mr Ba after which she was sent on compulsory leave which she believes was because of reporting the matter to the police.

Diplomatic immunity

She reported to Capitol Hill Police Station and treated at the Nairobi Hospital.

On July 6, police went to arrest Mr Ba but were denied entry on the claim of diplomatic immunity. However on July 9, he was arrested but later released without a charge.

Contacted on Wednesday, the Diplomatic Police Unit boss Allan Sangoro said that the matter had not been officially brought to his attention.

He however said that the Mr Ba enjoyed diplomatic immunity which had to be waived before he could be arrested. Alternatively, Mr Ba could lift his own diplomatic immunity.

Diplomats are expected to adhere to the host country’s laws but could not be subject to either civil or criminal proceedings.

The chairman of the Board of Directors Elias Mpondela said that they needed time and patience as it objectively considered the matter in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

“The public can be rest assured that it will do this speedily,” he said in a statement sent to the newsrooms.

Listen to both parties

Mr Mpondela noted that there was need to listen to both parties adding that the Shelter Afrique Board was investigating and consulting on the reported events including direct engagement with the Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The board’s final decisions will take into account rights and obligations of the concerned persons, and the final findings and decisions will be made known to the public through the respective Government Agencies for each member country.