Mwakwere sacking of ports boss queried

A parliamentary panel on Tuesday criticised former Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere for his move to sack the embattled boss of the Kenya Ports Authority, Mr James Mulewa.

At a meeting with ministry officials, the parliamentary committee on transport termed the minister’s decision as not only unprocedural but one reeking of “malice and witch-hunt.”

The committee chairman David Were (Matungu, ODM) said Mr Mwakwere’s move appeared “rushed” because he did not have recommendations from the board.

“Where will the allegations (against the managing director) come from if not from the board… to me it looks like these were mere allegations,” Mr Were said. “To outsiders like me, we thought the board and the MD were doing a good job.”

Mistake

Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu added: “The minister made a mistake and he ought to have taken the matter back to the board. We have to be a bit orderly.” Alego-Usonga MP Edwin Yinda (ODM) concurred with the remark adding that the recommendation to dismiss Mr Mulewa ought to have come from the board.

But, Transport assistant minister Harun Mwau put up a spirited defence for Mr Mwakwere, terming his decision as legal. He said the minister exercised his discretion and the decision will stand.

Mr Mwau reckoned that “it was for the minister to give directions to the board and not the other way round.”

“The board cannot revisit the decision made by the minister. That decision is final and (Mr Mulewa) is not coming back,” the assistant minister told the committee.

Mr Mwau is the de facto boss in the ministry after Mr Mwakwere lost his seat in Parliament following a court ruling declaring his election null and void.