Governor barred from terminating executives' contracts

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo addressing journalists in his Mbale office on Oct 23, 2017. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has blocked Governor Wilber Ottichilo (pictured) from terminating contracts of executive members hired on two to three years contracts.

Judge Nduma Nderi issued stay orders blocking the terminations until the case filed by County Secretary Francis Ominde is heard and determined.

“Pending the inter-parties hearing of the application, the provision in the petitioners’ appointment letter and the appointment letters issued to the interested parties limiting their respective tenures in office to two or three years in each case are hereby suspended and the petitioner and interested parties shall remain in office and continue to serve in their respective positions,” Justice Nderi ordered.

He said hearing of the case will commence on February 12, 2020, noting that a conservatory order be obtained until the application filed by the petitioner is heard.

The court also warned the governor against failing to honour previous orders and that he stood to be declared being in contempt of court should he fail to respect the new orders. 

Mr Ominde in his case listed the county executive committee members and chief officers as interested parties and Ottichilo as the main respondent.