Former NSSF boss seeks to stop filling of top position

Former National Social Security Fund managing trustee Tom Odongo Thursday moved to court in a bid to stop the board from filling the position.

The NSSF had in advertisement appearing in yesterday’s dailies invited applications for the position of managing trustee.

However, Mr Odongo moved to the Industrial Court Thursday under a certificate of urgency seeking to stop the process.

“I pray that a stay of recruitment of a new Managing Trustee be granted until the motion dated 25th July 2013 is heard and determined,” Mr Odongo said in court papers.

Odongo’s contention

Mr Odongo was on July 22 sacked by Labour and Social security secretary Mr Kazungu Kambi.

He, however, contested the decision filing a suit on July 25. He now wants the court to determine the case before NSSF can be allowed to hire a new head.

In his July suits, Mr Odongo contends that Mr Kambi has no powers to fire him.

Mr Odongo (below) says Mr Kambi’s decision was arbitrary and did not involve the board of trustees to whom he was answerable as chief executive.

In the sacking letter sent to media outlets, Mr Kazungu did not cite the reasons for the firing but referred to clause 20 (i) of the executive’s contract which allows any of the parties to sever the agreement.

Following his dismissal, Ms Hope Mwashumbe, the fund’s corporation secretary was appointed in acting capacity.

Mr Odongo took over the NSSF signing a three year contract in July year following the sacking of Alex Kazongo by the NSSF board of trustees. He only served eight months before his sacking.