The Labour Court in Kisumu has reinstated four Vihiga CECs who were sacked in June.
The four – Pamela Kimwele (Public Service), Amos Kutwa (Health), Paul Mbuni (Lands) and Kenneth Keseko (Trade) – were dismissed from office over allegations of gross misconduct and misuse of office.
But they moved to court to contest their removal.
Justice Christine Baari in her order dated October 4 directed that the four resume work with immediate effect.
The order also barred the county government from appointing new CECs stating that the four were still employees of the county, pending inter partes hearing on October 12.
The court warned the county against initiating recruitment to replace the four.
"Leave be and is hereby granted to ex parte applicants to institute judicial review proceedings seeking an order of prohibition restraining the respondent from nominating and/or appointing any other persons in place of the applicants as County Executive Committee Members," the order reads.
In the case, the four had sued the assembly and listed Governor Wilber Ottichilo as an interested party.
They were also seeking orders to compel the county government to ensure they are accorded all the benefits accruing to them as CECs as per the applicable Salaries and Remuneration Commission's circulars.
After the sacking of the four, Ottichilo appointed Justus Inonda Mwanje (Transport) as the acting Health CECs to replace Kutwa.
Mary Amalemba (Environment) was appointed Public Service and Administration CEC in an acting capacity to replace Kimwele.
Henry Lumbasio of Education was appointed Land CEC in an acting capacity to replace Paul Mbuni while Geofrey Vukaya was transferred to Trade from Agriculture.
Finance CEC Alfred Indeche was appointed to serve in the Agriculture docket in an acting capacity.
Edited by A.N
