Njoroge loses court bid to retain CCK director post
Suspended CCK director-general Charles Njoroge. Photo/FILE
Attempts by suspended Communication Commission director general Charles Njoroge to retain his seat through a court order fell flat last week.
Through his lawyers, Waweru Gatonye Advocates, Mr Njoroge’s application to change the orders of Justice David Maraga were rejected by court last week.
Inter-party hearing
According to the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek), the beleaguered director was, however, asked to serve the federation with the petition and have an inter-party hearing on August 23.
“Mr Njoroge’s prayers appear to have been overtaken by events since his former employer already had an acting director general until the Cofek substantive application is heard and determined,” the lobby group added.
Mr Njoroge’s lawyers served the group’s advocate, Mr Henry Kurauka, the petition on Thursday evening.
The federation had on Wednesday received orders from Justice Maraga suspending the decision by the Information and Communication minister to renew Mr Njoroge’s tenure.
The consumers federation also sought orders of prohibition against the Minister in regard to making unilateral decisions and, specifically, for ignoring the decision and advice of the CCK board.
The case is expected to go for a hearing within 15 days in which the fate of Mr Njoroge as director general of the regulator will be heard and determined.
On Friday, the CCK board, in compliance with the court order, appointed Mr Francis Wamukota Wangusi as acting director general of the institution.
Mr Wangusi was until his appointment the director in charge of special projects and broadcasting at the commission.
Despite an illustrious first term in office, Mr Njoroge’s quest to lead the firm for an additional three years did not take off well.
The board, headed by Mr Philip Okundi, was initially divided over the renewal of his contract, which ended in June, before recommending the termination of his services.
The recommendations were based on the outcome of a performance appraisal where Mr Njoroge scored 60 per cent — below the 70 per cent cut-off point set by the board for possible renewal of his contract.
