Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement leader Alfred Mutua at a past function [Photo/eDaily.co.ke]
Five nominees for the county executive jobs have been dealt a major blow after the High Court in Machakos rejected their application.
The nominees had moved to court seeking to stop the Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement leader Alfred Mutua, also county boss, from presenting new names for their respective posts.
They are Naomi Mutie, Ruth Mutua, Ali Maalim, Faith Wathome and Kimeu Mbithi.
According to the nominees, their rejection amounted to a violation of their fundamental rights.
Through their lawyer Wilfred Nyamu the nominees wanted the court to issue an order barring their replacement with immediate effect.
“Unless interim orders are granted, interested parties will nominate new people to the positions,” said their lawyer, as quoted by the Star.
They also pleaded with the court to ensure that their rights to hold public office are guaranteed following their rejection by Members of the county Assembly (MCAs) who argued that they are not qualified to hold the positions.
On November 10, Mutua had slammed the MCAs over the rejection of the nominees, saying that he was aware of their plans to frustrate his government just like they did during his first term in power.
“It was clear from the beginning that the vetting process had been infiltrated by malice and partisan political considerations. The committee acted in bad faith and has been hell bent to stop the Executive from executing development and providing services to wananchi,” said Governor Mutua, as quoted by Citizen.