Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua at a past function.(Photo/nairobinews.co.ke)
Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua has been ordered to retain suspended staff until the court decides on the matter. In his ruling, Judge Byram Ongaya directed the Machakos Public Service Board to provide good reasons as to why the workers were suspended. The suspension of the workers was already attracting mixed reactions from different factions.
The court ordered the county government and workers to negotiate on the issue on the ground. “Pending the inter partes hearing, the parties should maintain the status quo so the applicants, who are currently on compulsory leave, shall remain in the Public Service Board. The parties are encouraged to negotiate an amicable compromise,” Ongaya said, as quoted by The Star.
The workers, who are 437 in number, sought for legal redress following their suspension. Through lawyer Mutua Muli, the workers argued that their suspension was not conducted in a constitutional manner. They said that it is the role of the board to suspend the workers and not Mutua as he had done. The governor had fired different officers including finance and procurement officers, accountants, auditors, and directors.