Firm allowed to amend defence in Sh9.6m suit

The Industrial Court has allowed a leading consumer products manufacturer to amend its defence in a Sh9.6 million employment termination case against it.

Judge Stewart Madzayo allowed Unilever Kenya Ltd to amend the pleadings answering allegations that it sacked a former manager illegally.

“The suit papers were served on the company in February 2012; why are you making this application at this time?” Justice Madzayo asked the lawyer for the consumer products maker.

But the lawyer for Thomas Mbugua protested, saying, the move is aimed at delaying the case.

The judge heard that Mr Mbugua, who is seeking over Sh9.6 million in terminal dues, is suffering since he lost his job.

Justice Madzayo heard that Mr Mbugua “cannot secure a job elsewhere before the case he has filed is determined.

“I allow the application by Unilever to file an amended defence in this case. The case is hereby fixed for October 14, 2012,” the judge directed.