Activist sues Nakuru County Secretary over irregular appointment

A Nakuru human rights activist, Abdullahi Mohammed, has filed a lawsuit against the Nakuru County Secretary (CS), Samwel Mwaura, for allegedly unlawfully deploying an unqualified officer in the office of the Director of Land and Planning.

The petition was submitted to Employment and Labour Relations Judge Justice James Rika.

In his application, Mohammed accused Dr Mwaura, the County Public Service, the County Attorney, and Nyaroo Mayaka of unlawful deployment that he claims has compromised lawful administration and service delivery within the office of land and physical planning.

The application states that Robert Kiprono, the interested party, was deployed to Kuresoi North and South on October 31, 2023, based on Mwaura’s instructions.

Mohammed argues that Mayaka has been unlawfully signing documents and issuing communications as the Director of Planning and Land Use despite lacking the necessary qualifications and exceeding his job description.

The lawsuit claims that Mwaura’s actions effectively demoted Kiprono, who was removed from his position despite his valid appointment.

The application further alleges that Mayaka has been usurping the functions of the Director and signing documents 'for' the director when there is already a substantive director in place.

Mohammed seeks a court order declaring Mwaura's decision illegal and restraining Mayaka from performing functions designated for the Director of Land and Physical Planning.

The activist noted that the petition is intended to safeguard his rights and highlight that Kiprono has been unjustly denied the opportunity to serve, thus raising concerns about the quality of service being delivered by the current office holder.

The case is scheduled to be heard on May 15.