High Court suspends appointment of Bruno Obodha as East African Portland Cement MD

The High Court in Nairobi has suspended the appointment of Bruno Oguda Obodha as Managing Director of the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC).

Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders on Friday stopping the implementation of executive orders which placed Obodha on the role pending the determination of a petition filed by Caroline Wambui Mwangi.

The court also barred Obodha from assuming office or performing any functions related to the position.

“Mr Bruno Oguda Obodha, or any other person, is restrained from assuming the office of Managing Director or performing any functions whatsoever pursuant to the press release dated December 20, 2024,” Justice Mwamuye directed.

“No person, either by themselves or through their agents, shall act upon or give effect to the press release or any related instrument appointing Mr. Obodha to the office of Managing Director."

The petitioner is now required to serve all respondents, including Obodha, with the court documents, and submit the responses by January 20, 2025, and rejoinders by January 27, 2025.

Wambui had moved to court alleging procedural irregularities in the appointment of Obodha saying the process did not bring accountability to the public.

“That despite the assertion that the Interested Party’s appointment was made pursuant to the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, there is no iota of evidence pointing to the involvement of the Public Service Commission in the process leading to the said nomination. The assertion that the Public Service Commission was involved in the nomination is unfounded," she argued.

She sued the Attorney General, EAPCC and the company board while Obodha was mentioned as the interested party.

EAPCC board last week refused to ratify the appointment of Obodha citing integrity issues and conflict of interest.

The board later wrote to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment watering the appointment of Obodha.

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