Irrigation board boss challenges suspension
What you need to know:
Mr Barasa was suspended alongside two other officials two weeks ago. The board accused them of misconduct and financial misappropriation during procurement.
Water CS Eugene Wamalwa had reinstated the three just a day after the board ordered them out to pave the way for investigations.
Mr Wamalwa accused the board of convening an ordinary meeting but later termed it a ‘special board meeting’ to suspend the officials.
National Irrigation Board (NIB) General Manager Daniel Barasa has moved to court to challenge his suspension which he terms unlawful.
Mr Barasa says the suspension was in breach of the law and terms of service for employees of NIB.
In a suit filed last week, he says a notice was given for the special board meeting on April 21 when the decision to suspend him was taken.
“NIB arbitrarily converted a full board meeting into a special meeting in breach of the law and in disregard of the already outlined agenda,” Mr Barasa says in court papers filed by his lawyer Gladys Mwangi.
He wants the court to order NIB to unconditionally lift the suspension and reinstate him immediately pending the inter-parties hearing and determination of application.
Ms Mwangi argues Mr Barasa was not told why he had been suspended thus his removal was unprocedural.
Mr Barasa was suspended alongside two other officials two weeks ago. The board accused them of misconduct and financial misappropriation during procurement.
Water CS Eugene Wamalwa had reinstated the three just a day after the board ordered them out to pave the way for investigations.
Mr Wamalwa accused the board of convening an ordinary meeting but later termed it a ‘special board meeting’ to suspend the officials.
The CS said the board violated the rights of the suspended officials by casting a blanket accusation without stating the specific accusations.
However, NIB chairman Sammy Letema faulted the CS saying he went against the law as the board has the final word on suspensions.
