Court reinstates two sacked Kisumu staff

By Viola Kosome

Two Kisumu City Board members sacked by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o got a sigh of relief on Wednesday after a labour court reinstated them temporarily pending the determination of their case.

Kisumu Employment and Labour court judge Justice Nduma Nderi directed that former mayor Sam Okello and businessman Ken Akoko immediately resume their duties in the board as members until a case they had filed in court is heard and determined. 

"You (petitioners) are not going to be replaced until the petition is heard and dealt with," ruled Justice Nderi. 

The duo were fired by governor Nyong'o in September over lack of degree certificates from a recognized university. 

Muga Apondi, a lawyer who represented the applicants told the court that his clients were unlawfully dismissed without any justifiable reason despite being vetted by the Kisumu County Assembly who approved their application. 

Apondi further stated that the two board members had not been in office since the day they were sacked.  

Mosses Omondi who represented the respondent (county government) requested for seven days to respond to the petition filled by applicants.