East Africa Portland board refuses to approve new MD appointed by President Ruto

The East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) board on Friday refused to ratify the appointment of Bruno Oguda Obodha as the new managing director as appointed by President Ruto on December 20.

In a board meeting held on Friday in the company's Nairobi offices, the board wrote to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment watering the appointment of Mr Obodha, citing integrity issues and conflict of interest.

In the letter signed by the board chairman, Brig Richard Mbithi, the board indicated several emerging issues referenced to Circular Ref No.OP/CAB.9/1A dated 20th April 2022 issued by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service, indicting the appointee was doing business with Portland and has been involved in fraud.

“Whereas EAPCC appointed M/s Geoner Systems & Massel Real property on 22 December 2023 as a selling agent of a portion of LR No.10424 which is currently ongoing, it is noted Mr Bruno Obodha is a director of the company,a conflict of interest that should have been during the interview,” read part of the latter.

It further stated: “Whereas EAPCC floated a tender No.EAPCCPLC/OT/340/2024 dated 23rd October 2024 for the provision of security services, M/s Brumec International Security Company Limited submitted a bid which included forged documents. It noted  that Mr Obodha is a director of the Company,"

The board further exonerated itself from any blame saying by the time it submitted three names for consideration the board was not privy to the above red flags that have negative business implications as an NSE-listed entity.

During a board of directors meeting held at the company's office at Taj Towers on Friday, 22nd November 2024 Mr Mohammed Osman Adan emerged as the best candidate scoring 88.15 per cent.

Bruno Obodha emerged second scoring 64 per cent followed closely by Dr Justa Mwangi who managed 63.86 per cent.

On 23 December, EAPCC workers shut down the company's Athi River plant protesting Obodha's appointment.

Operations in the plant have since resumed.