Court reinstates suspended Nzoia Sugar Company MD Michael Makokha

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has reinstated embattled Nzoia Sugar Company Managing Director Michael Makokha pending hearing and determination of a case filed.

Makokha moved to court to challenge the suspension made by Agriculture CS Peter Munya which he argues was done illegally and in contravention of the Constitution.

Justice Onesmus Makau said that the order shall operate for 21 days.

Makokha, through his lawyer Bryan Khaemba, told the court that he received a letter dated June 7, 2021 from the Munya suspending him from office for a period of 3 months effective June 10.

He argues that the power to engage and employ staff including the Chief Executive of State corporations lies with the Board of Directors, and the Minister and the committee has only the power to approve terms and conditions of service.

According to the court papers, the MD was sent packing in order to pave way for investigations into alleged complaints against him over impropriety and non-payment of farmers’ arrears amounting to over Ksh.700 million.

“Unless this matter is urgently heard and determined, Makokha will continue to be subjected to an illegal process, prejudiced and embarrassed both in his professional and social standing,” Khaemba said.

The matter was certified as urgent.